The landscaping of Esher Place

Abstract

Among the works of William Kent, Esher Place has tended to lurk in the shadows of its more famous neighbour Claremont and of Kentșs other landscapes such as Chiswick, Holkham, Rousham and Stowe. It is probably because the landscape has all but vanished that it has not received the attention which in its day it attracted; Walpole held it in high esteem and thought that Kent was ‘Kentissime’ there. At last, however, there are signs that the neglect is ending. John Dixon Hunt in his recent book on Kent as landscape garden designer¹ discusses the style and design of Esher Place, a consideration much aided by the coming to light of a large number of Kentșs drawings. An earlier discovery of some drawings² provided a spur at the time which was not followed up by any great interest: Michael Wilson, for instance, makes only a passing reference in his book on Kent.³ So the need still exists to re-establish Esher Place as a major work in Kent's oeuvre and to appreciate its form and significance.