As part of our Neighbourhood Learning Summer School 2026, join garden historian Laura Mayer for a wonderful midsummer afternoon at Holbrook Manor. We'll sit down together for a delicious two-course lunch before turning our attention to a story that will change the way you look at the English countryside forever.
Lancelot 'Capability' Brown and Humphry Repton are celebrated as the most prolific landscape gardeners of the eighteenth century. Yet both men harboured strong architectural ambitions, with Brown even referring to himself as a 'place-maker' — a term deliberately chosen to encompass his talents as both landscaper and architect. This fascinating lecture shifts the focus away from the rolling turf of the perfect parkscape to the built forms of these remarkable figures.
Join Laura as she explores the lesser-known architectural side of Brown and Repton's careers — from ambitious country house builds and garden temples to interior decorative schemes of surprising elegance. We'll discover how both men manipulated stone, brick and perspective to engineer a grand architectural theatre that continues to define modern spatial design. For while celebrated as master gardeners, Brown and Repton were pivotal architectural influencers who viewed the English country house and its surroundings as a single, unified composition.
A delicious lunch, a brilliant lecture, and a fresh perspective on two of Britain's greatest creative minds. The perfect way to spend a summer's afternoon.
For a full course description, including details on the tutor, venue, accommodation (where applicable) and more, visit our full listings page by clicking here.
For a full course description, including details on the tutor, venue, accommodation (where applicable) and more, visit our full listings page by clicking here.
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Laura Mayer is an independent lecturer, writer and researcher. She has an MA in Garden History and a PhD in eighteenth-century patronage, both from the University of Bristol. Originally an Art Historian with a side of Spanish, she accidentally fell into garden history whilst working at the Alhambra in Granada. Laura has published extensively – particularly on Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown and Humphry Repton – as well as on the historic gardens of Cambridgeshire.
Click here to find out more about Laura Mayer and her other available courses -
Nestled in the Somerset countryside near Wincanton, Holbrook Manor is a charming Georgian house offering comfort, calm, and character — ideal for residential courses and retreats. With elegant rooms, home-cooked meals, and access to the indoor pool, spa bath, sauna, and steam room, it’s the perfect place to learn, relax, and recharge.
The venue has plenty of free parking, accessible course rooms and some accessible bedrooms. There are also a few bedrooms which are dog friendly.
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Just an open mind and plenty of enthusiasm!
