John Phibbs

Landscape manager and expert on Capability Brown John Phibbs looks at the motivation behind Brown’s creation of the archetypal English landscape.

Brown was widely acclaimed as a genius in the 18th century as he set about designing and influencing around half a million acres of England and Wales. The parkland of Blenheim Palace is regarded as one of his finest creations. His naturalistic style means many people find it difficult to see and understand his imprint. Little professional or academic examination has been done of his work. Phibbs explains where to stand in Brown’s landscapes, what to look at and how to see it.

Phibbs has built up his own business in landscape management and assessing landscapes for English Heritage. He has developed the idea that historic parks and gardens should be recorded and analysed like any other work of art.

In association with The Woodstock Bookshop.