The history of Leighton's garden
Do you know that Leighton's garden retains many of its original ornamental features?
Historical evolution of the garden
The garden at Leighton House, designed by Frederic Leighton himself, remains almost unchanged in format. Originally it was half the size we see today, but in 1868, when the adjacent Melbury Road was planned, it was extended to the north and two years later to the east. Despite its simple design, with a large lawn at the centre bordered by trees, shrubs and flower beds, it did attract attention from the press right away.
The popular publication The Building News reported in 1866 that the new garden would soon be as equally attractive as the house:
The garden has been laid out with reference to the peculiarities of the house and in a little time will look well. We believe it to be the intention of the owner at some future time to adorn it with carefully chosen architectural objects, some vases, a tazza, a raised bed, or perhaps a fountain. These objects are almost necessary to connect the house and garden. In a short time the garden will assume a very pleasing appearance, and, being designed on strict architectural principles, will accord well with the house to which it is attached.
Ornamental additions to the garden
As anticipated, ornamental features were added. A large raised semi-circle of soil was built to add interest to the flat lawn, then later divided resulting in the two grass mounds seen today. A parterre of ten geometric shapes was laid across the lawn to be viewed from the dining room windows. It was the most ornate part of the garden, filled with bedding plants which were refreshed several times during the year.
Four large terracotta urns (Italian oil jars) were later placed along the terrace. William Morris and artist Valentine Prinsep (Leighton’s Holland Park Circle neighbour) also introduced this type of ornamental jar to their own gardens. A wooden trellis covered with ivy ran along the lower part of the eastern path, and latterly roses replaced the ivy.
Artists' Homes 12 Holland Park Road, Kensington, Studio-house of Leighton, The Building News, 1 October 1880
Leighton and Victorian horticulture
Leighton took a keen interest in garden flowers, frequently visiting Kew Gardens to view the displays. William Turner Thiselton-Dyer, Director of Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew, London) from 1885 to 1905 , described meeting Leighton there and the artist being absorbed in ‘enthusiastic contemplation of some old-fashioned Dutch tulips’.
The garden as a social hub
The garden was also ideal for entertaining and Leighton ‘received’ every Sunday in fine weather. One visitor, British architect, Frances Pepys Cockerell, recalled that:
He sat chatting with the President, who in slippers, a so called ‘land and water hat’ and a smock-frock, leant back in a garden chair and talked as no one else could. The quiet, the sun overhead, the grass under our feet, the green trees around us, and the house visible between them, form an ineffaceable picture of aesthetic contentment it is a delight to recall
Leighton's Garden by Marianne Topham, c.1996
Garden restoration and future plans
In 1997 the garden was reconstructed using the only known plan, which was drawn up in 1896 just after Leighton’s death, for the sale of the house. More recently, a white marble fountain has been uncovered and restored. It was the original fountain in the Arab Hall but was replaced by the black marble one seen today.
Following the completion of the Hidden Gem to National Treasure redevelopment, the museum has re-integrated Leighton's garden as a key part of the house. As one of the museum's delightful free-to-visit areas, the garden provides a serene retreat in the heart of the city. Meanwhile, the new De Morgan Café featuring outdoor seating and floor-to-ceiling windows, offers a relaxing space to enjoy stunning views of the garden.
Learning in the garden
Utilising the gardens potential as a place for learning, and to take full advantage of the direct access to the garden from the new Learning Centre, the museum is now looking to create a dedicated area on the North-West border for outside learning. This will enhance existing museum learning activities for school visits and public programme events, such as drawing and painting from nature, and exploring horticulture and ecology.
The Friends annual Garden Party
In recent years, the picturesque garden has played host to the annual Friends of Leighton House Garden Party. Bringing together patrons, art enthusiasts, and community members to celebrate the museum's rich cultural heritage, guests enjoy an elegant evening with live music, delicious refreshments and a traditional raffle. The event serves as a fundraiser, supporting the continued work of Leighton House and ensuring its continued contribution to the arts and cultural landscape.
