In the framework of the “gardens” year of the Val de Loire UNESCO Mission, the Château du Lude presents the REVES DE JARDINS, “Garden Dreams, a glance at models, plans and views of Eden” exhibition, staged in the Renaissance Gallery, from the 3^rd June to August 31, 2017.

This retrospective brings together the major works, mostly from private collections, by Jacques Hennequin, model maker, Florence d’Ersu, botanical painter, and Philippe de Kersabiec, landscape designer and garden historian.

These three artists have performed their talents throughout Europe, in prestigious venues such as Versailles or Villandry, as well as in many private parks and gardens, small and large, but always unique. Thanks to their reproductions, these gardens are gathered at Le Lude for a virtual journey.

The first part of the exhibition is devoted to the techniques and materials used to create illusion and perspective. Then, the Renaissance gallery is a temporary home to models, watercolour plans and panoramas of grandiose and intimate gardens.

And, finally, a workshop is open to children, on the occasion of the “Fête des Jardiniers”, on the 3rd and 4th June. Using colouring-in, puzzles and collages, new dream gardens will emerge from these young innovative minds.