English Garden Eccentrics: An Evening with Todd Longstaffe-Gowan
Thursday 28th May 2026 | 6pm–7pm including Q&A
Join us for a special evening talk in the Gallery at Strawberry Hill House with landscape architect and garden historian Todd Longstaffe-Gowan, author of the acclaimed book English Garden Eccentrics..
Drawing on three centuries of extraordinary gardens and the remarkable personalities who created them, Todd will explore the curious, imaginative and sometimes eccentric individuals who shaped the English landscape. From miniature mountains and mysterious grottos to extravagant topiary and theatrical garden features, these landscapes reveal how gardens can become deeply personal ex
Among these characters is Horace Walpole, whose Gothic villa and garden at Strawberry Hill embodied the spirit of imaginative experimentation. Walpole and his collaborator Richard Bentley famously designed a spectacular shell seat, a whimsical half-clam bench that once formed part of the garden’s theatrical landscape.
This illustrated talk will place Walpole within a wider tradition of inventive garden makers and offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of the English garden at its most eccentric and expressive.
All proceeds from this event will support Strawberry Hill’s Shell Seat Appeal, helping to recreate Walpole’s remarkable shell bench in the garden. Find out more at strawberryhillhouse.org.uk/shell-seat
Entry is from 5.45pm, the talk will begin at 6pm.
Tickets include a glass of fizz on arrival.
Copies of Todd Longstaffe-Gowan’s book will also be available to purchase on the evening.
Ticket options
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Thursday 28th May 2026 | 6pm–7pm including Q&A
Join us for a special evening talk in the Gallery at Strawberry Hill House with landscape architect and garden historian Todd Longstaffe-Gowan, author of the acclaimed book English Garden Eccentrics..
Drawing on three centuries of extraordinary gardens and the remarkable personalities who created them, Todd will explore the curious, imaginative and sometimes eccentric individuals who shaped the English landscape. From miniature mountains and mysterious grottos to extravagant topiary and theatrical garden features, these landscapes reveal how gardens can become deeply personal ex
Among these characters is Horace Walpole, whose Gothic villa and garden at Strawberry Hill embodied the spirit of imaginative experimentation. Walpole and his collaborator Richard Bentley famously designed a spectacular shell seat, a whimsical half-clam bench that once formed part of the garden’s theatrical landscape.
This illustrated talk will place Walpole within a wider tradition of inventive garden makers and offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of the English garden at its most eccentric and expressive.
All proceeds from this event will support Strawberry Hill’s Shell Seat Appeal, helping to recreate Walpole’s remarkable shell bench in the garden. Find out more at strawberryhillhouse.org.uk/shell-seat
Entry is from 5.45pm, the talk will begin at 6pm.
Tickets include a glass of fizz on arrival.
Copies of Todd Longstaffe-Gowan’s book will also be available to purchase on the evening.
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