A new exhibition celebrating the 300th anniversary of one of history's greatest gardeners is to open at Blenheim Palace on February 13th.

Blenheim Palace was one of 'Capability' Brown's most significant landscape projects. Commissioned by the 4th Duke of Marlborough in 1763, he spent a total of 11 years transforming the Palace's landscaped parkland which, although appearing quite natural, is 'contrived to pleasing effect'.

The new exhibition features maps, plans, paintings, pictures, costumes and historic artefacts bringing the life of one of the world's most illustrious landscape designers to life.

Among the highlights is a 10ft sized recreation of one of Brown's famous 'tree-moving machines' which has been painstakingly reconstructed by Blenheim Palace's own carpenters from a single surviving image.

Alongside specially-commissioned artworks featuring his most celebrated views, the exhibition also features drawings of the lake and dam under construction as well as a film by modern gardener Diarmuid Gavin reflecting on the influence of Brown's work at Blenheim Palace.

The exhibition is in partnership with The Embroiderers Guild and will feature stunning hand-made pieces by some of the Guild's talented members, depicting the Parkland at Blenheim Palace.

Works by the renowned artist, Tim Scott Bolton, who has been travelling around England painting Brown landscapes, including the one of Blenheim Palace, will also be featured in the exhibition; alongside other celebrated artists. The artists looked at the landscape of Brown 300 years on from his original design, and captured similar view points as other artists have done in the past, showing their own unique style and response to the Blenheim Palace landscape.

Believed to have been born in 1716, Lancelot 'Capability' Brown was the most sought after landscape designer of the 18th century.

He was at the forefront of a new style of 'naturalistic' landscape gardening which replaced formalised, geometric garden layouts with more flowing and open parkland.

Brown reputedly earned his nickname by reassuring his aristocratic clients their estates had the 'capability' for improvement.

A new 'Capability' Brown Viewpoints Trail has also been created with interpretation panels highlighting many of his most impressive viewpoints across the estate and Formal Gardens walking tours will also be taking place. Visitors will also be able to see the iconic 'Brownian' viewpoints by horse and carriage rides on selected days throughout spring and summer.

What: 'Capability' Brown at Blenheim Palace Exhibition

When: Opening 13 February 2016

Why Visit: Take an exclusive look at how celebrated landscape gardener, 'Capability' Brown transformed the Blenheim Palace landscape.

Admission: Adult £14.90, Concession £10.90, Child £6.90, Family (2 Adult & 2 Children) £39.90 Park & Gardens ticket.

Website: blenheimpalace.com 

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For more information please contact: Melodie Manners | melodie@flamingo-marketing.co.uk | 01637 873379 or 07815 709548