Charles Hamilton

Landscape visionary (1704-1786)

Painshill’s magnificent Grade 1 listed 18th Century Georgian landscape garden was created in the naturalistic style between 1738 and 1773, and was the artistic vision of one English gentleman, the Hon. Charles Hamilton, 9th son and 14th child of the 6th Earl of Abercorn.

Inspired by Renaissance and contemporary art and visits to Italy on the Grand Tour, Charles Hamilton decided to create a tranquil landscape setting enriched by follies, water, trees, shrubberies and a vineyard.

A painter, plantsman and brilliantly imaginative designer, he dedicated his creative genius to the layout and composition of a landscape which was unique in Europe and remains so today.
Image courtesy of Painshill Park Trust