Colvin, Brenda (1897–1981)

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Colvin, Brenda (1897–1981)

British landscape architect. Born June 8, 1897, in Simla, India; died Jan 27, 1981, in England; educated in Paris.

Pioneer in the field of landscape architecture, studied at Swanley Horticultural College (later absorbed into Hadlow College) and assisted Madeline Agar on the War Memorial Garden in Wimbledon; went into private practice as a landscape architect (1922) and shared an office with Sylvia Crowe; was co-founder of Institute of Landscape Architects, then later secretary (1941–48), vice-president, and president (1951–53); took on projects for War Office, Port of London Authority, and Electricity Generating Board; designed gardens for the Manor House in Sutton Courtenay and elsewhere; is also known for her own garden at Filkins in Gloucestershire; writings include Trees for Town and Country (1947) and Land and Landscape (1948); was senior partner at Colvin and Moggridge at the time of her death. Received OBE (1973).