Capability Brown in the South Downs
August 16, 2016
Portrait of Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, c.1770-75, by Richard Cosway (17421821)/Private Collection/Bridgeman Images
Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, baptised on 30 August 1716, was a landscape designer whose style has shaped what we think of today as quintessential English countryside.
At the end of the 1600s most landscaping was rigidly formal reflecting man’s power over nature. ‘Capability’ Brown’s designs changed this, blurring the boundaries between art and nature by creating landscapes that were both functional and elegant. This summer people across the country are coming together to celebrate the 300th anniversary of his baptism.
‘Capability’ Brown’s designs can still be seen throughout the South Downs and more evidence of his work is still being discovered today – earlier this year one of his signature ha-has, was found at Cowdray Park hidden beneath vegetation.
The ha-ha is a key part of Brown’s landscapes. These deep ditches keep livestock out of gardens without obstructing views, creating the illusion of uninterrupted landscapes, a signature feature of Capability Brown’s designs. The name may come from the element of surprise in suddenly discovering the ha-ha’s unexpected vertical drop.
The 700 acre Petworth Park garden is one of the finest surviving examples of Brown’s work. When designing the garden he sought to capture the feel of the natural contours of the land so his additions blended seamlessly in. Brown created the Upper and Lower ponds and redesigned the garden to allow glimpses of the house through newly planted trees. A Doric Temple and Ionic Rotunda were also added to create views and a ha-ha created between the Pleasure Grounds and park.
Meanwhile at Uppark Brown used the elevated position of the hilltop to maximise views of the surrounding countryside and on a clear day, views out to the sea.