Who is the scottsman who first coined the term landscape architecture?

Gilbert Laing Meason

Gilbert Laing Meason was a Scottish merchant and
agricultural improver, best remembered as the originator of
the term landscape architecture. Born on July 3, 1769, in
Kirkwall, Orkney, he later lived at Lindertis House near
Forfar, in Fife, Scotland. Meason was a friend of Sir
Walter Scott and had a keen interest in art history.
In 1828, he published a book titled “On The Landscape
Architecture of the Great Painters of Italy” in London.
Although the book sold poorly, it touched on subjects
related to the placement of buildings and their surroundings
within landscapes to create beautiful compositions. Little
did Meason know that the term he used would become
popular.
The phrase “landscape architecture” was later adopted by
the horticulturalist and planner John Claudius Loudon, who believed it aptly described the
composition of created landscapes. This term eventually gained prominence and is now
associated with the modern profession of landscape architecture. Meason’s legacy lives on as the
man who introduced this influential term to the field.
He passed away in Venice in 1832

Biography of Gilbert Laing Meason (biographies.net)

Meason, Gilbert Laing (gardenvisit.com)

Gilbert Laing Meason - Wikipedia

Gilbert Laing Meason (1769–1832) was a Scottish merchant, agricultural improver, and a
significant figure in the history of landscape architecture. Let’s delve into his life and
contributions:
 Early Life and Background:
o Born on July 3, 1769, in Kirkwall, Orkney, he was the son of Robert
Laing and Barbara Blaw.
o His brothers included the historian Malcolm Laing and the travel writer Samuel
Laing.
o In 1799, he lived as a merchant in Edinburgh’s New Town, still using the
name Gilbert Laing.
o It is believed that he adopted the suffix “Meason” upon his marriage.
o He resided at Lindertis House near Forfar, in Fife, Scotland.
 Contributions and Legacy:
o Meason was a friend of the renowned writer Sir Walter Scott.
 o His interest in art history led him to publish a book titled “On The Landscape
Architecture of the Great Painters of Italy” in London in 1828.
o Although the book sold poorly, it explored the placement of buildings and
structures within landscapes to create aesthetically pleasing compositions.
o Meason’s use of the term “landscape architecture” was groundbreaking. Little
did he know that this term would become influential.
 The Term “Landscape Architecture”:
o The term gained prominence when it was taken up by the horticulturalist and
planner John Claudius Loudon.
o Loudon believed that the phrase aptly described the composition of created
landscapes beyond art theory.
o Andrew Jackson Downing, an admirer of Loudon, further popularized the term.
o Frederick Law Olmsted, often considered the founder of modern landscape
architecture, embraced it as well.
 Later Years and Passing:
o In 1813, Meason employed the architect Archibald Elliot to remodel his mansion
at Lindertis House.
o He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1815.
o Meason passed away in Venice in 1832.

Meason’s legacy endures as the man who introduced the term “landscape architecture”,
shaping a profession that continues to impact our surroundings and natural spaces today

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_Laing_Meason

https://www.gardenvisit.com/biography/gilbert_laing_meason

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/353487