Celebrating Marnock

Sheffield Botanical Gardens is partnering with the Gardens Trust to celebrate Scottish landscape gardener, horticulturalist and writer Robert Marnock (1800 - 1889).

As well as being designer and curator of botanical gardens in Sheffield and London, Marnock undertook a substantial number of private commissions across the country, plus sites in Italy and Belgium. He had a significant impact on the landscape of Sheffield and elsewhere.

This is an online exhibition about Marnock's life, work and style.

Here you will find a map showing Marnock sites around the country, copies of botanical illustrations from the magazines he published, and information on everything from the stories behind the plants he chose in the 19th century to Friends groups who are safeguarding his designs today.

Celebratory events took place throughout Summer 2023 at Marnock sites - talks, walks, exhibitions, art sessions, volunteer training, kids’ activities and more. You can see details of some of these activities below.

Even though the events have finished, this website will continue to be updated with news and views on Marnock. Please contact us on: laura.alston@sheffield.gov.uk or
jill.sinclair@thegardenstrust.org if you have information or images to share about Marnock.

Laura Alston 03/06/2023 Laura Alston 03/06/2023

Sheffield Marnock Trail

The Sheffield Marnock Trail! Take this audio trail through Marnock sites in Sheffield.

Laura Alston 02/05/2023 Laura Alston 02/05/2023

Robert Marnock and the National Lottery Heritage Fund

Over the last twenty-five years, at least seven of Marnock’s designs have been saved from decline with support from the Heritage Fund.

Laura Alston 02/05/2023 Laura Alston 02/05/2023

Marnock’s Publishing Career

Alison Hunter, historian at Sheffield Botanical Gardens, shares information about Marnock’s early publishing career.

Laura Alston 02/05/2023 Laura Alston 02/05/2023

Marnock’s Style of Landscape Design

Marnock expert Dr Jan Woudstra explains some of the distinguishing features of his style.

Laura Alston 26/04/2023 Laura Alston 26/04/2023

Victorian Lady Flower Painters

Learn from botanical artist and tutor Jennie Hinton about the women who contributed to science through botanical art.

Laura Alston 24/04/2023 Laura Alston 24/04/2023

Botanical or Floricultural?

Here you can read the original text from Robert Marnock 1837 Floricultural Magazine where he discusses the differences between a ‘Botanical’ garden and a ‘Floricultural’ one - which do you think Sheffield Botanical Gardens is?