Making Highbury bloom again
Joseph Chamberlain was a very modern politician who understood the importance of making himself into an instantly recognisable brand. For more than four decades two devices contributed to his instant recognition his monocle and the orchid he wore in his buttonhole. However, the orchid was more than merely a device it represented his passionate love of gardening, which was expressed at the Venetian Gothic home he built on the outskirts of Birmingham, Highbury Hall.
The gardens were widely written about in the press as Joseph Chamberlain had such a high political profile and he lavished time, money and energy on the gardens, keeping them perfect was the great relaxation of his life.
Keywords: Highbury, Joseph Chamberlain, Gardens, Parks, Open spaces, Chamberlain, Birmingham
Presented by:
Phillada Ballard, Trustee, Chamberlain Highbury Trust
Produced by:
IDM Media
Special Thanks to:
Phillada Ballard, Film Birmingham, University of Birmingham Cadbury Research Library, The British Film Institute, Mary Evans Picture Library, Heritage Image Partnership Ltd/Alamy Stock Photo
Run Time:
5:53
