Exhibitions, Gardens

Coach House exhibition: Alice's Wonderlands

23 Mar – 30 Oct

Coach House gallery

This is a past exhibition

As part of the Alice’s Wonderlands centenary exhibition, discover more about Alice de Rothschild’s impact on Waddesdon through her role as a farmer, employer and gardener.

This free exhibition in the Coach House Gallery looks at Alice’s many roles within both the estate and the local community. If we break down her stern reputation, a caring and conscientious woman is revealed.

Visit the House to explore the rest of the Alice’s Wonderlands exhibition >

Please scroll to the bottom of the page to find the stereoscopic image gallery, for use in the Coach House.

Alice’s Wonderlands exhibition trailer

Watch this short film to find out more about the exhibition before your visit.

Farmer

Alice took great interest in the farming activities on the Waddesdon and Eythrope estates, especially animal husbandry. This
centred on the Home Farm and the Dairy.

Her standing as a farmer and stock-breeder was reflected in her election as President of the Royal Central Buckinghamshire Agricultural Association whose annual show she hosted twice in the park at Waddesdon.

Employer

Alice was a demanding employer and she expected the highest of standards. However, she was also caring and supportive, ensuring all of her employees’ vaccinations were up-to-date, for instance.

Her will contained numerous, generous legacies and annuities for staff members. All employees received a proportion of their wage and those closest to her were given substantial sums.

Gardener

Alice is not known to have employed a professional landscaper. We believe that she designed her gardens herself, working closely with the Head Gardeners in each place.

Alice had an excellent knowledge of plants and horticulture. Her cousin Constance recalled that she always carried a tool with her when outdoors, to remove offending weeds.