Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
The Conservatory portrays the historical evolution of the conservatory, featuring the landmark structures, their patrons and designers, the technology, and artistic majesty of the conservatory-from the plainly built, utilitarian constructions of ancient times to the great glass palaces of the Victorian age. Page by page, this book traces their beauty, grace, and their newly discovered relevance for the modern world of nature, science, and art, lavishly illustrated with evocative contemporary and archival photographs and drawings.
Synopsis
Elegant and magnificent, conservatories reveal fascinating social, cultural, botanical, and engineering advances as they have evolved across history. First appearing in the eighteenth century as simple structures designed to protect fruit trees and other delicate plants from harsh European winters, conservatories became grand glass houses that spread across the European continent, to the Americas, and ultimately around the world.
Through evocative archival and contemporary photographs, drawings of landmark structures, and graceful, accessible text, The Conservatory celebrates the patrons and designers who advanced the technology and architectural majesty of these light-filled structures. The importance of conservatories continues to grow with efforts to conserve phenomenal plants and their environments.
Synopsis
2021 GardenComm Media Awards Gold Medal Winner, Publishing category Elegant and magnificent, conservatories reveal fascinating social, cultural, botanical, and engineering advances as they have evolved across history. First appearing in the eighteenth century as simple structures designed to protect fruit trees and other delicate plants from harsh European winters, conservatories became grand glass houses that spread across the European continent, to the Americas, and ultimately around the world.
Through evocative archival and contemporary photographs, drawings of landmark structures, and graceful, accessible text, The Conservatory celebrates the patrons and designers who advanced the technology and architectural majesty of these light-filled structures. The importance of conservatories continues to grow with efforts to conserve phenomenal plants and their environments.