The Pulham Legacy

After several years of research, Claude Hitching has now completed a book on the lives and work of James Pulham and Son, the eminent firm of Victorian and Edwardian landscape gardeners who specialised in the construction of picturesque rock gardens, ferneries, follies and grottoes, and also manufactured a wide range of very high-quality garden ornaments, such as vases, urns, seats, fountains and balustrading. It will be published in the Spring of 2012 by the Antique Collectors Club under their Garden Press imprint.

Claude's interest in this firm stems from the fact that no fewer than five of his ancestors - including his grandfather and great-grandfather - all worked for Pulhams as ‘rock builders'. His book includes:

• A Foreword by Mavis Batey
• A brief background history of James Pulham and Son
• An overview of Pulhams' Manufactory, and examples of some of the wonderful terracotta garden ornaments produced there.
• Beautifully illustrated reviews of about 40 of the most prestigious Pulham gardens that still exist today, including those at Buckingham Palace, Sandringham, Waddesdon Manor, Madresfield Court, Dewstow, Friar Park etc. Featured photography is by the professional gardens photographer, Jenny Lilly.
• A Chronological Gazetteer of all known Pulham sites.

Claude has also completely updated his website at www.pulham.org.uk,  including a new the ‘Site of the Month' area, in which a different Pulham site - not one of those included in the book - will be featured each month. The new website is well worth a visit to learn more!