Page 122 - cn - er - The Spirit of Belvoir Studio 25-10-2022 update concise version

‘Natura ’ - The Duchess Garden

‘Alter Realism’
Oil on canvas: 32 x 48 inches

The Duchess Garden, (initially known as the Ladies Garden) is positioned on the escarpment slopes of Blackberry Hill. Capability Brown had
envisioned a ‘shady seat’ in the wooded area.
However, Elizabeth wanted such a place as a secret garden, that would be discovered after a walk through the newly established woods that
ascended from the castle.
Between 1807—1820’s the Duchess and Hermit Gardens were being established and landscaped, whilst the new castle was still under construction.

Today the Duchess Garden is a mixture of Elizabeth’s Ladies Garden, and the Spring Gardens, created by Violet the 8th Duchess in the early
1900’s and including the restoration programme carried out by Emma, the present Duchess.

During the major restoration programme to the Duchess and Hermit Gardens in 2012, Emma the present Duchess, reintroduced the pond to the
Lower Garden {its water being fed from the springs issuing from Blackberry Hill} and placed a discovered classical statue which closely resembled
the young Elizabeth, in order to make a fitting memorial to Elizabeth.
The solitary figure amidst the grandeur and space of the garden emphasises the presence of Elizabeth’s spirit. The statues finery and elegance is
dramatically accentuated by the elemental energy of nature, thereby creating a mystical and enchanting presence.

The high summer colours, set with back lighting engender such an experience. The colour field borders further accentuate an esoteric narrative.