A new shell seat for Strawberry Hill House & Garden

Strawberry Hill House & Garden has launched an exciting appeal to recreate the shell seat, one of the most visually arresting and evocative features of Horace Walpole’s eighteenth-century garden. 

Designed as a place for rest, conversation and delight, the Shell seat formed part of Walpole’s celebrated 'land of beauties', a landscape shaped by imagination, sociability and theatrical effect. 

They are looking forward to working with Factum Arte, internationally renowned specialists in digital heritage documentation and historically informed reconstruction.

For this ambitious project, Factum will employ cutting-edge 3D digital mapping technology to design and create a faithful, more durable, weather-resistant replica, based on the original eighteenth-century drawings, which will ensure that the seat endures for future generations.

A replica of the Shell seat (using layered, laminated green oak) was installed during the 2007-10 restoration, and has now deteriorated beyond repair after fifteen years exposed to the elements. 

Strawberry Hill House are working hard to raise the funds to recreate this beautiful, architectural design feature in their free community garden for all to enjoy.

If you would like more information about the appeal or would like to make a donation, please visit the Strawberry Hill House website or contact Charlotte Savery on charlotte.savery@strawberryhillhouse.org.uk.