|
|
|
English countryside, to arrest the soul and transport one to a place longed for but too seldom possessed... to plant modest dreams in the hearts of all who witness it. - Bobby McAlpine |
Landscape Design
The original master plan for the park was developed in 1983 by Tom Blount, son of park benefactor Wynton M. Blount, using concepts developed by the late Russell Page of London.
The Shakespeare Garden and Amphitheatre was designed in 1998 by the landscape design firm of Edwina vonGal & Company of New York.
The revised master plan for the expanded 300 acre park was completed in 2000 by Edwina vonGal & Company.
Architectural Design
The Palladian-styled Carolyn Blount Theatre, home of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, was designed in 1983 by Architects Tom Blount and the late Perry Pittman. Construction of the theater was by Blount Brothers Corporation and represented a gift from industrialist and philanthropist Wynton M. Blount. The building was officially opened in December 1985.
The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts was designed by the Montgomery architectural firm of Barganier, Davis, and Sims and opened in 1988. An addition was completed in 1993.
The Shakespeare Garden's Pavilion and attendant structures were designed by the nationally recognized Montgomery firm of McAlpine Tankersley Architects. Constructed under the supervision of Andrew & Dawson contractors, it was opened in June of 1999.
McAlpine Tankersley also designed the wood and stone bridge, Thunderhouse, the buildings in The Shakespeare Garden and other structures on the private estate grounds. These are reminiscent of the English countryside.
WetStart International from London, England, thatched the roof of the Garden amphitheatre pavilion and other structures using Turkish water reeds and English combed wheat.