CASE STUDY
The Radcliffe Camera is an iconic Oxford landmark and a working library. It is part of the central Bodleian Library complex. The Radcliffe Camera is called a “camera” because the word is Latin for “room” or “chamber”. Originally, the building was a reading room for a library. Initially, it was funded by Dr. John Radcliffe. The “camera” was then built between 1737 and 1749 to house his collection of scientific books.
The building was designed by James Gibbs, a prominent British architect of the 18th century, in a neo-classical/English Baroque style.
Earlier plan proposals had been drawn up by Nicholas Hawksmoor. Moreover, other famous architects (including Christopher Wren) were considered, but the final commission was awarded to Gibbs.
William Townesend and William Smith – Master Masons – built the “camera”. The building is noted for its distinctive circular plan with a domed roof — rare for academic libraries of its age.
As a result it’s one of Oxford’s most iconic landmarks and is a popular tourist attraction. In terms of its construction, the building is made of local limestone and features a stunning dome that rises high above the city’s skyline. Not only that but the dome is topped by a lantern that provides natural light to the reading room inside. Unusually, it is not freely open to the public but non-members can see the interior of the Radcliffe Camera by booking onto an hour-and-a-half guided tour organised through The Bodleian Library.
In the last few weeks, Harrowden has supplied new turf for the lawns outside the Radcliffe Camera and they are spectacular. To that end, we supplied our Premium Turf which is grown on premium quality soils from carefully chosen grass seed species. In terms of colour it has a dense, dark green sward that flatters any garden design. But the landscapers have taken real care here and the grass looks fantastic as a result.
Not only that but we chose species that are attractive and hard-wearing. Our unique blend of cultivars has been chosen for their year-round greenness, resistance to disease and visual merit giving a well-balanced, all-round premium turf suitable for a range of applications.
Harrowden’s role was relatively straightforward supplying Premium Turf.
If you would like to talk over your plans or discuss a bespoke seed mix or turf application please get in touch.
