Orpheus at Boughton The Orpheus project was commissioned by the 10th Duke of Buccleuch who wished to create a new feature, the first for nearly 300 years, on the empty space opposite the mount. This striking addition to the landscape was designed by Kim Wilkie and implemented under the direction of the Landscape Manager, Lance Goffort-Hall. "Orpheus" created by Kim Wilkie recently featured on the BBC Programme: Alan Titchmarsh's Garden Secrets - episode 2. 18th Century. A most interesting programme which also helps put it in its historical context. For those just wanting to see the Boughton part of the Alan Titchmarsh programme - one kind soul has extracted it and out it on youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mf551qKty4Q The space is intended for quiet contemplation and music, whilst echoing existing features of the park.  An inverted grass pyramid descends, ensuring that the new design is invisible until one draws near. The landform is named for the famed musician of Greek mythology who, when his wife died, went down into the underworld to try and reclaim her.  His music was so beautiful that Hades relented and allowed Eurydice to return to the world of the living.    Speaking of Orpheus, the Duke said: “It is a vision of power and intelligence, prompting awe-tinged surprise.  Here we can rediscover the importance of landscape, ponder how it plays on our senses and how we take our place within it.  The creative Montagus of the 18th century would, I think, have been intrigued.”
Further information on Orpheus (pdf, 1.8MB) Back to the restoration page

 

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