FOLAR
Friends of the Landscape Archive at Reading

A Celebration of Brian Clouston’s Career in Landscape Architecture

A Celebration of Brian Clouston’s Career in Landscape Architecture

A celebration of Brian Clouston’s Career in Landscape Architecture

Landscape architect Brian Clouston OBE, past president of the Landscape Institute, established a landscape practice in the 1960s that became multi-disciplinary and operated internationally. By the 1990s it was one of the leading practices in the UK and employed more people than any other in Europe. FOLAR wanted to learn more about Brian Clouston, what he did, how he attracted so many young talented staff and what type of projects they worked on. FOLAR also wanted to know what they went on to do on leaving BCP. So we invited lots of former staff to tell their stories at an event in September 2023, with Brian Clouston as the star. Brian continues to think about the role and contribution that landscape architects can make to society and to world affairs and in an interview, and he chose this opportunity to discuss his current big vision for Africa. We recorded this event and two interviews with Brian Clouston, as a contribution to the oral history of the profession of landscape architecture.

Recordings

Section One: Introduction; Early days and the formation of the practice; Reclamation; Garden Festivals; Work in the Middle East, Work in Asia and Australia; Urban renewal and Rural infrastructure; Business Parks

Section Two: Legacy Practices and practice, discussion

Section Three: Brian Clouston’s future vision

At the close of the final recording (10), Linda Clouston pays a moving tribute to her husband. (@ c 26:29)

These sessions were chaired by Annie Coombs FLI who was Managing Director of BCP Asia and Tim Gale PPLI who was a Director of BCP.

James Brian Clouston 3 Feb 1935 - 14 May 2026 obituary - please click here

Brian Clouston c1956 Credit: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

It is impossible to reflect on the life and works of Brian Clouston separate from the many people he worked alongside. There was such a range of projects and opportunities in all the different offices, cities and countries around the world. So we invited many of his former colleagues to share with us their thoughts as part of this record. This collaborative account of Brian Clouston reveals a remarkable person.


9. Legacy - Practices and practice - Discussion

About This Video

As a Californian, Michael Smiley highlighted the importance of community in landscape architecture, not only in terms of creating and revitalising communities, but also the need to foster community at a global level. He felt that few landscape firms have worked at this international scale and BCP is one that has. Jane Knight also commented on the importance of study abroad and working in different cultural environments as well as the benefits of multi-disciplinary teams and mentoring. Peter Sandover added that starting with the vision and making connections is crucial to working in community engagement. This ‘golden thread’ of experience and confidence was emphasised by Alex Novell, with Ian Turkington commenting on how working for BCP gave responsibility early on and a sense of entrepreneurism and innovation, all of which has inspired the setting up of many new and successful practices, based on these principles; an aspect which Mark Loxton confirmed. Mark added that the range of work, the long term view, and the faith that Brian Clouston had in his staff had also been significant in staff taking up significant new posts, rising to opportunities and passing on their experience to others. Annie Coombs gave many examples of other BCP alumni’s successes including Robert Howard, academics Alan Tate and Gavin Coates, the late John Hopkins and his work as project sponsor for landscape at London Olympics, and John Dainton, also stressing their ability to deal with demanding projects and situations. Annie also praised the late Jenny Steed who had been her mentor. Both she and Tim Gale emphasised the importance and benefits of the male/female mix in BCP and the profession as a whole.

About this series of talks

Landscape architect Brian Clouston OBE, past president of the Landscape Institute, established a landscape practice in the 1960s that became multi-disciplinary and operated internationally. By the 1990s it was one of the leading practices in the UK and employed more people than any other in Europe. FOLAR wanted to learn more about Brian Clouston, what he did, how he attracted so many young talented staff and what type of projects they worked on. FOLAR also wanted to know what they went on to do on leaving BCP. So we invited lots of former staff to tell their stories at an event in September 2023, with Brian Clouston as the star. Brian continues to think about the role and contribution that landscape architects can make to society and to world affairs and in an interview, and he chose this opportunity to discuss his current big vision for Africa. We recorded this event and two interviews with Brian Clouston, as a contribution to the oral history of the profession of landscape architecture.

  • Section One: Introduction; Early days and the formation of the practice; Reclamation; Garden Festivals; Work in the Middle East, Work in Asia and Australia; Urban renewal and Rural infrastructure; Business Parks

  • Section Two: Legacy Practices and practice, discussion.

  • Section Three: Brian Clouston’s future vision.

These sessions were chaired by Annie Coombs FLI who was Managing Director of BCP Asia and Tim Gale PPLI who was a Director of BCP.