Compton Verney in Warwickshire is one of my favourite places; an elegant Georgian house set in a glorious landscape. A visit here and a walk through the Capability Brown parklands always gives me a feeling of bliss and tranquility.
Capability Brown knew what he was up to when he rode through the grounds of these English stately homes in his carriage, framing numerous views on his journey, and visualising the hills sweeping round a peaceful lake as if enfolding the viewer in a gentle embrace.
We visited in time to see some of the Christmas lights and decorations still in place in this wonderful park and art gallery, as well as two of the current exhibitions: the paintings and story of magnificent British 20th century painter John Nash (the brother of artist Paul Nash) and 17th/18th century master carver Grinling Gibbons.
I tell a few intriguing stories about Compton Verney in my forthcoming book Illustrated Tales of Warwickshire, due out from Amberley Publishing on 15 April 2022. and now on pre-order.
Here are a few views of Compton Verney.
