AGHS National Conference 2021 Presentation
Camden Park – William Macarthur’s Garden Then and Now
Presenters: Edwina & John Macarthur-Stanham
Running time: 18 mins
File download format: M4V (MPEG-4)
Camden Park – William Macarthur’s Garden Then and Now
Edwina and John look at the breadth of John Macarthur’s son William Macarthur‘s contribution to horticulture and agriculture in NSW in the 19th century and how one of his legacies, the Camden Park garden, survives today.
William Macarthur was at the forefront of horticulture in the early years of New South Wales; a true horticultural pioneer. From the wine industry to plant collecting – breeding and trading – he led a most remarkable and constructive life.
Edwina and John Macarthur-Stanham
John and Edwina are the custodians of Camden Park and have the responsibility of maintaining its heritage significance, its agricultural activities and the house as a family home. They share an interest in historic properties and gardening. They have undertaken and overseen many projects that have preserved and enhanced the historic features of Camden Park and its garden.
John has an Economics degree (USYD) and an MBA (UNSW). He has worked for major Australian Companies Brambles and CSR, and has served on the boards of public companies and government entities including as Vice Chair of Trust Company and Deputy Chairman of Dairy Farmers Milk Co-operative. Government appointments have included board membership of Sydney Catchment Authority and inaugural Chair of NSW Local Land Services. Community service roles: Chairman of the Upper Nepean Water Users Association and member of the Hawkesbury Nepean Management Forum. He was Treasurer of the Camden Show Society for many years and served a term on the National Trust (NSW) Board in the 1980s.
Edwina has a degree in Languages (USYD), is a graduate of the National Art School, and a practising artist. She has managed the running of events and venue location at Camden Park since 1990 and has overseen 30 Camden Park House and Garden Open Weekends held annually in September. Edwina shares with John an avid interest in early colonial history and the history of the Macarthurs and Camden Park, and is actively involved with the Camden Park garden.
Today the Camden Park garden still retains William’s imprint on its layout, with its collection of significant trees, rare plants, orchid houses, wine vats and “lower garden”. These all provide a fascinating insight into what was and is one of Australia’s most important colonial gardens.
