A Virtual Arcadia
See Twickenham’s river and gardens as Pope would have known them.
Introduction
Alexander Pope’s Arcadia was a vision of landscape, harmony and classical beauty. In pursuit of this ideal, he built a villa on the banks of the Thames at Twickenham and created a five-acre garden that became one of the most important landscapes in the history of European garden design.
Today, the only surviving part of that estate is Pope’s Grotto — a richly decorated subterranean space that connected the villa to the garden. The Trust has had the good fortune to be given a meticulously researched visual reconstruction of Pope’s garden and its riverside setting to help bring this long-lost Arcadian world vividly to life. We are indebted to its creator Professor Paul Richens, Emeritus Professor of Architectural Computing, University of Westminster.
What is A Virtual Arcadia
A Virtual Arcadia is a pre-recorded visual journey based on an interactive digital reconstruction of Pope’s villa, garden and the adjacent Thames.
Starting from a wherry (rowing boat) on the Thames, a local waterman guides you upriver to the villa grounds. You then pass through the grotto into the garden and encounter many features of the landscape as they might have appeared in 1740, complete with period-inspired commentary.
Note: The fully interactive model has been shown to specialist audiences. The videos below present highlights for a wider public audience.
Watch the videos
Introduction by Professor Judith Hawley
Please note that the videos are best watched in full-screen mode.
River scene
A first glimpse of the Thames and garden approach from the river.
Garden scene
Explore the garden features and hear Pope’s words as you go.
Event recording: Building a Virtual Arcadia
A full recording of our online event discussing the reconstruction.
About the creators
Professor Paul Richens
Architect and digital reconstruction specialist, Professor Richens led the creation of the garden model using advanced visualisation techniques.
Giles Abbott
Award-winning storyteller, Giles Abbott wrote and performs the narrative commentary that guides viewers through A Virtual Arcadia.
Support and acknowledgements
A Virtual Arcadia is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.
