Little Sparta

Set in the Pentland Hills near Edinburgh, Little Sparta is Ian Hamilton Finlay’s greatest work of art.

About Little Sparta

Imbued with a high idea content, the garden is created from the artistic fusion of poetic and sculptural elements with those of the natural landscape which is shaped and changed to become an inherent part of the concepts realised at Little Sparta.

While works of art are commonly viewed in galleries, public parks and streets, museums and private houses, it is perhaps a unique achievement to have created a garden which is itself a major artwork encompassing within it both horticultural elements and individual works in such materials as stone, wood and metal.

Finlay’s intentions are moral and philosophical as well as poetic. The themes dealt with in the garden are those which underlie the structures of society. The French Revolution, pre-Socratic views of the nature of the world. The Second World War, the sea and its fishing fleets are among the sources of metaphor and image which are realised in the garden’s art works which now number over 275.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact. We take every opportunity to ensure the details for Little Sparta are accurate, please contact us at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk if any of the above information is incorrect.

Upcoming Events at Little Sparta

More Gardens and Parks in Lanarkshire

Northside Wood Wildlife Reserve

, Cumbernauld

Northside Wood is a strip of woodland south of Cumbernauld village. As the woodland is relatively young it is still developing. Areas of scrub and remnants...
Read more

Alexander Hamilton Memorial Park

Alexander Hamilton Memorial Park Lawrie Street, Stonehouse ML9 3LN

Alexander Hamilton Memorial Park is a multi levelled park with an extensive pathway network leading to all levels. It includes a bandstand area, three...
Read more

Mosswater Local Nature Reserve

Mosswater Local Nature Reserve , Cumbernauld

Mosswater Local Nature Reserve is best accessed by foot from Hope Park Drive north of Blackwood round-about.After several years of work to improve this...
Read more

Scottish Wildlife Trust: Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve and Visitor Centre

The Dyeworks New Lanark Mills, Lanark ML11 9DB

The Scottish Wildlife Trust Falls of Clyde and Visitor Centre is nestled in the Clyde Valley and is part of the Clyde Valley Woodlands National Nature Reserve.
Read more

Calderglen Country Park

Calderglen Country Park Strathaven Road, East Kilbride G75 0QZ

Calderglen Country Park is a four-star tourist attraction based in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire featuring a Children's Zoo, Tropical Glasshouse, Adventure Play Area and more!
Read more

David Livingstone Centre

165 Station Road, Blantyre G72 9BY

Celebrating the birthplace and legacy of Dr David Livingstone in Blantyre and across Africa.
Read more

Lanark Loch

Lanark Loch Hyndford Road, Lanark ML11 9BJ

Lanark Loch is an ideal fun day out for all the family, there is a selection of activities including fishing, pitch and putt, play area and more to keep everyone entertained!
Read more

Cumbernauld Glen

, Cumbernauld

Cumbernauld Glen's ancient woodland is a haven for wildlife and the varied ground vegetation reflects the age of the site. Vast carpets of bluebells flower from May to June.
Read more

Chatelherault Country Park

Chatelherault Country Park Fernegair, Hamilton ML3 7UE

Chatelherault Country Park, a five star visitor attraction under the Visit Scotland grading scheme, has been described as a jewel in the local landscape.
Read more

Kingshill Local Nature Reserve

Kingshill Local Nature Reserve Allanton, Shotts ML7

Kingshill Local Nature Reserve is on the outskirts of Allanton which is near Shotts.Kingshill is a special place for people and wildlife close to the...
Read more

All Gardens and Parks listings in Lanarkshire

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Venues