Page 72 - cn - fg -The Spirit of Belvoir -studio format 2024 Palm Beach brochure 19-10-2023

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.

FG 139841

‘Natura ’ - The Duchess Garden

Canvas: 40x60 inches