James Russell (garden designer)
Encyclopedia
James Russell was an English garden designer. He was educated at Eton College
and then went to Cambridge University
. His education was interrupted by the Second World War, in which he served for three years. He was invalided from the army and then managed Sunningdale Nurseries; this had been purchased by his father and a cousin at the outbreak of the war. He revived the fortunes of the nursery and then started in a career of garden design. His first commission was for Lord Hastings
at Seaton Delaval Hall
in Northumberland
. He later worked for the Howard family of Castle Howard
in North Yorkshire
. In the 1960s Russell worked with the wives of the 4th and 5th Dukes of Westminster in Eaton Hall, Cheshire
, to develop the gardens that had been neglected for many years. He later worked with the garden designer Graham Stuart Thomas
.
Eton College
Eton College, often referred to simply as Eton, is a British independent school for boys aged 13 to 18. It was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI as "The King's College of Our Lady of Eton besides Wyndsor"....
and then went to Cambridge University
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is a public research university located in Cambridge, United Kingdom. It is the second-oldest university in both the United Kingdom and the English-speaking world , and the seventh-oldest globally...
. His education was interrupted by the Second World War, in which he served for three years. He was invalided from the army and then managed Sunningdale Nurseries; this had been purchased by his father and a cousin at the outbreak of the war. He revived the fortunes of the nursery and then started in a career of garden design. His first commission was for Lord Hastings
Edward Astley, 22nd Baron Hastings
Edward Delaval Henry Astley, 22nd Baron Hastings, 12th Baronet Astley had many interests, including politics, ballet, charity work, Italy, and renovating Seaton Delaval Hall....
at Seaton Delaval Hall
Seaton Delaval Hall
Seaton Delaval Hall is a Grade I listed country house in Northumberland, England. It is near the coast just north of Newcastle upon Tyne. Located between Seaton Sluice and Seaton Delaval, it was designed by Sir John Vanbrugh in 1718 for Admiral George Delaval and is now owned by the National...
in Northumberland
Northumberland
Northumberland is the northernmost ceremonial county and a unitary district in North East England. For Eurostat purposes Northumberland is a NUTS 3 region and is one of three boroughs or unitary districts that comprise the "Northumberland and Tyne and Wear" NUTS 2 region...
. He later worked for the Howard family of Castle Howard
Castle Howard
Castle Howard is a stately home in North Yorkshire, England, north of York. One of the grandest private residences in Britain, most of it was built between 1699 and 1712 for the 3rd Earl of Carlisle, to a design by Sir John Vanbrugh...
in North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire is a non-metropolitan or shire county located in the Yorkshire and the Humber region of England, and a ceremonial county primarily in that region but partly in North East England. Created in 1974 by the Local Government Act 1972 it covers an area of , making it the largest...
. In the 1960s Russell worked with the wives of the 4th and 5th Dukes of Westminster in Eaton Hall, Cheshire
Cheshire
Cheshire is a ceremonial county in North West England. Cheshire's county town is the city of Chester, although its largest town is Warrington. Other major towns include Widnes, Congleton, Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Runcorn, Macclesfield, Winsford, Northwich, and Wilmslow...
, to develop the gardens that had been neglected for many years. He later worked with the garden designer Graham Stuart Thomas
Graham Stuart Thomas
Graham Stuart Thomas OBE , was an English horticulturalist, artist, author, poet and garden designer.He was born in Cambridge and studied in the University Botanic Garden at Cambridge University...
.