Garden of Reason

Nine contemporary artists have been invited to create new work inspired by the 17th-century gardens, their owner, Elizabeth Dysart, and their social and political context.

The garden was established in 1670, which was a time of great change and innovation in science and the arts. We've been inspired in the title of the exhibition by what's often known as the Age of Reason.

The artists will install works that interpret the site, and increase our knowledge and curiosity of that period. They'll also challenge audiences, giving them a fresh perspective. They're using the archives to carry out meticulous research, and directly responding to the unique surroundings of Elizabeths garden.

You'll be encouraged to engage with the space in new ways, through sound, film, sculpture and performance.

Garden of Reason is part of Trust New Art, our contemporary art programme. It's supported by grants from Arts Council England, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames, as well as by us.