Stephen J. Dunning

On Saturday 15^th September, the newly renamed American Museum & Gardens officially opened its New American Garden, the culmination of a £2 million project that saw major re-landscaping works in the grounds of the museum. The launch day coincided with the national Heritage Open Days campaign for 2018 and was certainly a success, with over 1000 visitors taking advantage of the museum’s offer of free entry for the day to see the transformed gardens for themselves. The renowned gardener, presenter, poet, and novelist, Alan Titchmarsh, was on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the occasion was also marked by members of the Crown Forces historical re-enactment group with a cannon fire salute. Members of the Natural Theatre Company could also be seen around the grounds, transporting visitors back to the late 18^th century with their portrayal of George and Martha Washington, and their gardener, in the museum’s transformed Mount Vernon Garden.

The project was the first European commission for Washington-based landscape architects Oehme, Van Sweden, and the new gardens include planted beds showcasing the best of American horticulture, as well as a grassed amphitheatre which, it is hoped, will become the museum’s elegant outdoor performance space, as demonstrated by the swinging tones of the Park Lane Big Band who played throughout the day. Although the garden project was largely funded by donors from the USA and created by Washington-based landscape architects Oehme, Van Sweden, several local firms were charged with the task of bringing the project to life, putting into practice the museum’s dedication to Investing in the local community. The majestic view over the Limpley Stoke Valley gives way to subtler, but just as enticing, vistas that greet you as you make your way down the new paths sloping away from the museum building, passed the amphitheatre, until you eventually encounter the hidden tranquillity of the Mount Vernon Garden, complete with extravagant Fleur de Lis flower beds, large pumpkin patch, and newly restored picket fencing and seed hut. From there it is possible to wander even further down the hillside through the museum grounds to the estate’s arboretum, all the while enveloped in the inspiring beauty of the nature that surrounds the visitor.

Founded in 1961, and formally known as the American Museum in Britain, the museum was the brainchild of Dallas Pratt, an American psychiatrist and heir to an oil fortune, and John Judkyn, an English antiques dealer, who together set out to bring the best of American cultural and historical art to the people of Europe. Actively collecting many cultural artefacts from the USA, as well as reconstructing a number of historic period American rooms, they transformed the elegant house at Claverton Manor into the only museum of American cultural art outside of the United States. The museum now also boasts an external exhibition gallery which currently hosts an exhibition entitled Side by Side, exploring America’s involvement in the First World War. Visitors to the museum can also enjoy a tasty lunch in the museum’s onsite café or take the opportunity to picnic in the grounds.

Also included in the project was the construction of two new pavilions near the museum entrance, which will serve as the museum’s new visitor reception point from 2019, as well as new signage bearing the museum’s new brand and logo. The new signage links the entire site together and helps to guide visitors through the wonderful grounds as clearly and discreetly as possible. Members of the museum’s Visitor Experience Team were proudly sporting the department’s new uniforms and museum logo whilst working throughout the day, along with other museum staff and volunteers, to ensure all visitors spent a happy few hours enjoying the delights of the American Museum & Gardens. Along with a relatively young and dynamic team and a fascinating collection, the new gardens at the American Museum are just one of the many features that look set to make this heritage site a must see for every visitor to Bath in 2019.

Acknowledgements: The author would like to thank Jon Ducker, Head of Visitor Experience, and Nas Alvi, Marketing Manager, at the American Museum & Gardens for their contributions, and Robert Carter for his photographic content.