Gertrude Jekyll British designer, writer and artist. Date of Birth: 29.11.1843 Country: Great Britain

1. Gertrude Jekyll: A British Designer, Writer, and Artist
2. Early Life and Career
3. Design Career and Collaborations
4. Legacy and Last Years

Gertrude Jekyll: A British Designer, Writer, and Artist

Gertrude Jekyll was a renowned British designer, writer, and artist. She was known for creating over four hundred exquisite gardens not only in the United Kingdom but also in other European countries and the United States of America. Jekyll wrote a thousand articles that were published in various magazines, including Country Life, The Garden, and other publications.

Early Life and Career

Gertrude Jekyll was born on November 29, 1843, in London as the fifth of seven children of Captain Edward Jekyll and his wife, Julia. In 1848, the family left London and settled in Surrey County, where Gertrude grew up. She returned to the capital at the age of eighteen and began taking painting lessons. Within a few years, her name became well-known - Gertrude's works gained great popularity and brought in significant income. Soon, Jekyll's wealth allowed her to indulge in many luxuries.

In 1876, Gertrude's father passed away, leaving her alone to care for her mother and reconsider her own future. By that time, her vision was rapidly deteriorating, and doctors strongly advised her to give up drawing and embroidery. Two years later, Gertrude Jekyll, along with her mother and brother, moved back to Surrey, where they acquired a house and a plot of land called Munstead Wood. It was there that Gertrude first created a magnificent garden, its new type being called "woodland." She worked on perfecting it for many years.

Design Career and Collaborations

Jekyll's design work led to new connections - she soon began working for the popular magazine "The Garden" and started receiving more and more commissions for unique projects. After some time, her own house required renovations. It was then that Gertrude started collaborating with architect Edwin Lutyens, with whom she would work for over two decades.

In 1899, Gertrude Jekyll became the chief editor of "The Garden" and devoted more time to writing books. Each of the collections she created became a guide to landscape design.

Legacy and Last Years

Gertrude Jekyll worked diligently throughout her life. In her final years, her vision had almost left her, but it did not hinder her creativity. Her extraordinary thinking, astonishing skills, taste, and artistic talent resulted in numerous masterpieces. Gertrude Jekyll passed away on December 8, 1932.