Reflecting on eclecticism in garden heritage: The Monforte Gardens in Valencia as a case study

Abstract

Precedent historic styles were analysed and recovered by historicist revisionism and revivalism during the nineteenth century. The lack of a style of its century lead to eclecticism, a trend that involved a merging of diverse ornamental repertories. Accordingly, eclectic garden design employed historic styles of different origins. As the cities grew, suburban gardens were integrated within the urban sprawl. The Monforte Gardens in Valencia represent a relevant case study characteristic of nineteenth century major garden design and development transformations. Most significant are the design resources and strategies introduced in the original design by Sebastián Monléon and, subsequently by Javier de Winthuysen as this research —including a thorough redrawing of the garden layout— gives evidence of. The Monforte Gardens represent an eclectic urban gardening design example in which the different parts maintain their independence without losing an overall unitary concept. Although traditionally considered neoclassical gardens, this research argues they should be properly considered as eclectic romantic gardens.