Course Description
Following the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, an optimistic aristocracy yearned to imitate the grandeur of their continental counterparts. Some completely new houses were erected, but monetary restraints meant the landscape provided a far more economical way of making a grandiose statement. The result was a large number of expansive formal gardens, created around earlier houses and royal palaces. Because so many of these gardens have completely disappeared (after the radical 'improvements' of Capability Brown and others in the 18th century), we have to rely heavily on paintings and engraved views, particularly those of Leonard Knyff and Johannis Kip, whose Britannia Illustrata (published in 1707) is a treasure trove of bird's eye views of lost landscapes. One of the themes of the week will be an evaluation of topographical art in the 17th century: its methods, purposes and whether artists accurately portrayed what existed. In addition, this course will survey the evolution of architecture, decorative arts and, especially, garden design in the late Stuart period, a time when some of the most dynamic amateur architects turned their attention to landscape design: Sir John Vanbrugh (at Blenheim and Castle Howard) and Christopher Wren (in his unexecuted plans for the rebuilding of London). Visits will include the National Portrait Gallery, the National Gallery, the British Library, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. We will have an extended visit to Hampton Court, where we will look at the new courtyard made by Wren for William and Mary and at the gardens, particularly the restored Privy Garden.

Course Fees
The fee is £395 for the majority of courses in the Summer School. Where courses include visits outside central London the fee is £420. For a few Courses the fee is £460 because close work with objects necessitates smaller groups. The fee includes all classes and gallery visits, lunch on the first day, tea and coffee each day, admission fees, travel for visits outside London, a gallery tour, parties and free access to The Courtauld Institute of Art Gallery all week; cost of travel within London is not covered. Any profits made from the Short Courses are used to support the work of The Courtauld Institute of Art in order to advance the study of art history and conservation.

Venue Description
Guidance and advice may be available for all aspects of student life. Facilities/Support are available for students with restricted mobility.

Course Venue
Courtauld Institute Of Art (University Of London)
Somerset House
Strand
Camden
London
WC2R 0RN

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The Versailles in England: Architecture and Landscape Design in the Late 17th Century (Summer School) course in Westminster information was verified on 16 Apr 2008.

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