Uncover Richard Sudell, the overlooked visionary behind 20th-century British suburban architecture

In the annals of British horticulture, the name Richard Sudell has been almost forgotten. However, a new book by Michael Gilson, titled "BEHIND THE PRIVET HEDGE: RICHARD SUDELL, THE SUBURBAN GARDEN AND THE BEAUTIFICATION OF BRITAIN", aims to rehabilitate and revivify Sudell's reputation.

Born in the late 19th century, Sudell was a man of many talents. He sat on numerous committees, produced a constant stream of articles and books, and even designed gardens himself. His only major work as a designer was Dolphin Square in London, which has recently been restored.

Sudell was innovative, with ideas such as postal fruit and veg competitions and gardens on rooftops. His focus was on achievable gardening solutions for average home-owners, distinguishing him from Arts and Crafts authors. However, he was not well-respected by his contemporaries for his aesthetic taste.

Sudell's life was not without controversy. He had a scandalous affair, left his wife, and remarried. At the end of the book, it is revealed that he was homosexual. His working-class understanding of people's liking for traditional houses set him at odds with mid-century Modernists.

After leaving school at 14 to work as a gardener, Sudell later trained at Kew. He became a tireless advocate for gardens of any size, particularly for working people. After his imprisonment as a Quaker conscientious objector during the First World War, he continued his activism.

Sudell's nephew, Samuel Bamford, took over and continued his work in the field of horticulture. One of Sudell's most notable rooftop garden designs was the one on the Selfridges department store.

The book provides context for Sudell's career without over-praising him, but skims over his private life. It offers a balanced perspective, making it a fascinating read for anyone interested in the history of gardening and social reform in Britain. The book could inspire anyone who wants to affect real change in the world.

However, it's important to note that the politics of community gardening no longer reflects the state-ist socialism advocated by Sudell. Instead, it is probably more anarchist in character. Despite this, Sudell's legacy continues to influence the way we think about gardening and the role it can play in community building.

In conclusion, "BEHIND THE PRIVET HEDGE: RICHARD SUDELL, THE SUBURBAN GARDEN AND THE BEAUTIFICATION OF BRITAIN" is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of gardening, social reform, and Britain's suburban development. It serves as a reminder of the impact one person can have, even if they are almost forgotten today.

Uncover Richard Sudell, the overlooked visionary behind 20th-century British suburban architecture