Birds and Beasts

This splendid mansion, built by Ferdinand de Rothschild in the French Renaissance style, boasts an extensive art collection and immaculate furnishings. The collection, acquired by successive members of the Rothschild dynasty, includes Dutch Old Master paintings, portraits by Reynolds, Gainsborough and Romney, and outstanding furniture - some commissioned for the French Palace of Versaille. The house, gardens and aviary were created over a century ago to entertain Baron Ferdinand's circle of royal, political and artistic friends who came to Waddesdon for weekend house parties.Rothschild Foundation is a UK registered charity, No: 1138145VAT registration number: 563201571

Waddesdon - A Rothschild House & Gardens

Landscape historian and Waddesdon Gardens’ archivist, Sophie Piebenga, discusses the fashion for keeping birds and beasts.

<h3>Birds and Beasts</h3><h3>Wed 31 March, 7 pm</h3><p>Like other members of his family, Ferdinand de Rothschild kept ‘exotic’ animals in the gardens at Waddesdon.  They included mostly birds and waterfowl, but also kangaroos, emus and deer.  The hugely ornamental Aviary has since been restored to its full glory while its original function has been very successfully expanded as a centre for conservation breeding.  </p><p>Little remains of Ferdinand&#x27;s &#x27;zoo&#x27; though contemporary descriptions give an idea of the delight and wonder it provoked in his guests staying at the Manor. The Aviary and its colourful songbirds continue to delight visitors today.</p><p>Landscape historian and Waddesdon Gardens’ archivist Sophie Piebenga, will discuss the fashion for keeping birds and beasts and housing them in evermore opulent constructions, popular with members of the Rothschild family in the late 19th century.</p><p></p><p>A zoom link will be emailed to you 24 hours before the event.</p><p>Please mute your device when joining the talk and use the chat feature to ask your questions.</p><p>If you experience any issues joining, please email enquiries@waddesdon.org.uk</p>

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Birds and Beasts

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