Visitors will be sitting pretty during exhibition at historic Leeds house

Visioning The Landscape – Temple Newsam 1622-1922 will explore the story of the house’s gardens, which were in part designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown.

Benches have been placed at points in the house’s 43 rooms that will offer the best views of its surroundings during the exhibition, which marks the 300th anniversary of landscape architect Brown’s birth.

Temple Newsam curator Rachel Conroy said: “The landscape at Temple Newsam has evolved over the centuries to reflect some of the unique characters who have lived here and today, the house, gardens and parkland all combine to tell the story of the estate.

“This exhibition charts 300 years of change and explores different ways the landscape at Temple Newsam was transformed by the vision of artistic designers like ‘Capability’ Brown.

“We have some of the most beautiful views in Leeds here and that’s testament to the imagination and creativity of those who have left their mark on Temple Newsam through the ages.”

A programme of special events has been arranged to support the exhibition.

They include a painting demonstration by landscape artist Ashley Jackson and a project to create a choreographed walk with local dance groups and members of the community.

Coun Brian Selby, Leeds City Council’s lead member for museums and galleries, said: “Temple Newsam is one of the most beautiful locations in Leeds and it will be very interesting to get more of an insight into how it came to be the stunning place we know and love today.

“Exploring the history of the landscape and how it came to be will, I’m sure, give visitors a whole new perspective on somewhere that is such an integral part of the city’s cultural heritage.”

Visioning The Landscape – Temple Newsam 1622-1922 runs until October 30.