Georgian Walled Paradise, Hercules Garden, Blair Castle

by Kype Hills

Title

Georgian Walled Paradise, Hercules Garden, Blair Castle

Artist

Kype Hills

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Photograph

Description

Within the historic grounds of Blair Castle Estate in the Scottish Highlands lies the enchanting Hercules Garden, a nine-acre Georgian walled oasis meticulously restored to its 1740s design. The garden dates back to the 18th century, when the 2nd Duke of Atholl laid out the grounds in the Georgian style (around the 1740s). At that time, it was fashionable for grand estates to create formal walled gardens as symbols of wealth, order, and classical learning. At the heart of this garden stands a lead statue of Hercules, the mythological Greek hero renowned for his superhuman strength and legendary Twelve Labours. This statue was created by John Cheere, a famous 18th-century English sculptor who made many lead garden sculptures for aristocratic estates. Hercules was an emblem of power, virtue, and protection. Placing his statue in the garden was a nod to classical antiquity and a symbol of the Duke’s refined taste and status. The figure became so iconic that the garden was simply named after him: Hercules Garden.

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May 4th, 2021

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