Description

Book Synopsis

Ian Hamilton Finlay's garden in the Pentland Hills near Edinburgh is widely regarded as one of the most significant gardens in Britain. In addition to being a spectacular example of garden design, it also features almost 300 artworks by Finlay and others which form an integral part of the garden scheme.

This new companion to Little Sparta tells the story of Ian Hamilton Finlay's extraordinary creation, exploring the underlying themes, and introducing and explaining the significance of the main elements and artworks in each part of the garden. Featuring new photography, as well as archive material, it also shows how the garden has matured and developed over the last 50 years.



Trade Review

'The only really original garden made in this country since 1945' Sir Roy Strong 'One of the wonders of twentieth-century art'

-- James Campbell * Guardian *

‘Of note is the classy design and layout of the entire book. One cannot help thinking that had Hamilton Finlay been here, he would have been very proud of the end result. A book to treasure indeed, and I cannot imagine anyone who sets eyes on it being able to resist a visit to Little Sparta'

-- Polly Pullar * Scots Magazine *

'Jessie Sheeler's new guidebook, illustrated with Robin Gillanders' atmospheric photographs, does a lucid and erudite job of breaking all this down; an essential companion for anyone planning to visit one of Scotland’s greatest art treasures' –

-- Roger Cox * Scotsman *

Little Sparta: A Guide to the Garden of Ian

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    £18.00

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    RRP £20.00 – you save £2.00 (10%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Mon 3 Aug 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Jessie Sheeler, Robin Gillanders

    Out of stock

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      View other formats and editions of Little Sparta: A Guide to the Garden of Ian by Jessie Sheeler

      Publisher: Birlinn General
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 03/06/2021
      ISBN13: 9781780277578, 978-1780277578
      ISBN10: 1780277571

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Ian Hamilton Finlay's garden in the Pentland Hills near Edinburgh is widely regarded as one of the most significant gardens in Britain. In addition to being a spectacular example of garden design, it also features almost 300 artworks by Finlay and others which form an integral part of the garden scheme.

      This new companion to Little Sparta tells the story of Ian Hamilton Finlay's extraordinary creation, exploring the underlying themes, and introducing and explaining the significance of the main elements and artworks in each part of the garden. Featuring new photography, as well as archive material, it also shows how the garden has matured and developed over the last 50 years.



      Trade Review

      'The only really original garden made in this country since 1945' Sir Roy Strong 'One of the wonders of twentieth-century art'

      -- James Campbell * Guardian *

      ‘Of note is the classy design and layout of the entire book. One cannot help thinking that had Hamilton Finlay been here, he would have been very proud of the end result. A book to treasure indeed, and I cannot imagine anyone who sets eyes on it being able to resist a visit to Little Sparta'

      -- Polly Pullar * Scots Magazine *

      'Jessie Sheeler's new guidebook, illustrated with Robin Gillanders' atmospheric photographs, does a lucid and erudite job of breaking all this down; an essential companion for anyone planning to visit one of Scotland’s greatest art treasures' –

      -- Roger Cox * Scotsman *

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