ROCOCO GARDENS, PAINSWICK, GLOUCESTERSHIRE

I was asked to undertake the recreation of these follies when the then owner decided to restore the gardens in the 1980s. We only had very small watercolours on which to base these designs. Interestingly I had said that the Eagle House was a hexagon: more expert opinion said it was an octagon. In fact an archaeological dig revealed it to be a squashed hexagon. The Exedra was based on a galvanised steel frame: this was a very early example of computer-bent steel. The use of the steel frame meant that the timber and plaster coverings could be renewed without disturbing the structure. The double oval incisions are probably correct, but they could just be a homage to the badge of Marcos cars, of which the architect owns several.