William Shenstone has long been recognised as a key figure in 18th-century landscape design, while in recent years his poetic output has been reassessed and appreciated in the context of the period. This cross-disciplinary conference will explore Shenstone’s significance as both poet and garden-maker, and how those identites overlapped or coalesced. Topics include the way Shenstone’s piquant writings -- pre-eminently the Unconnected Thoughts on Gardening -- have inspired artists including Ian Hamilton Finlay, his relationship with the glamorous exile Lady Luxborough, his literary coterie in the Midlands and the sheer originality of The Leasowes.

Confirmed speakers include Patrick Eyres, Michael Symes, Jane Brown and Prof Sandro Jung; the conference organiser is Tim Richardson. William Shenstone was an alumnus of Pembroke, and the conference is to be held in a brand new lecture hall which is part of the college’s new quadrangle, opened in April 2013.

Friday August 15th
Delegates arrive; drinks reception and keynote lecture (open to the public);
informal dinner in college hall

Saturday August 16th
Full day conference; lunch in college hall
Evening drinks reception followed by formal dinner in college hall

Sunday August 17th
Travel by coach to The Leasowes, Halesowen (1.5 to 2 hours)
Tour of The Leasowes. Packed lunch.
Return by coach to Oxford by approx. 4.30pm

Cost:
Residential: £375 (early-bird rate, booked by May 31: £335)
Non-Residential: £275 (early-bird rate, booked by May 31: £235)
Accommodation will be in college. Delegates can choose accommodation in the new quad
or in the old part of the college.