Beech walk, Mount Stuart (with little temple, also called the Hermitage)

Together with The Cascade, Mount Stuart, this painting highlights the 3rd Earl of Bute’s keen interest in landscape design. Shortly before commissioning this series of paintings, Bute had instigated surveys of his estate. Carried out by leading local scholars such as John Hope’s botanical student, James Robertson, their aim was to inform his plans for improving his estate, including the development of an extensive network of pathways, avenues and ornamental features complemented by careful planting.