THE CONSERVATORY
gardens under glass

Published by Princeton Architectural Press
Foreword by Richard Barley, Director of Horticulture, Learning & Operations, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Introduction by Marc Hachadourian and Todd Forrest, New York Botanical Garden

The story of the conservatory reveals fascinating social, cultural, botanical, and engineering developments. First appearing in the eighteenth century as simple structures designed to protect fruit trees and delicate plants from harsh European winters, conservatories evolved into grand glasshouses that grew in popularity across the European continent, to the Americas, and around the world.

Through spectacular archival and contemporary photographs and drawings of landmark structures—including the Palm House at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; New York’s Crystal Palace; and Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay—The Conservatory celebrates the patrons and designers who advanced the technology and architectural majesty of these light-filled structures. Their importance continues to grow with efforts to conserve extraordinary plants and their environments.

Lose yourself inside the world’s most beautiful conservatories and wander through the impressive history of these dreamy glass beauties.

Architectural Digest

The striking beauty and surprising capabilities of conservatories make it easy to see why they’ve been preserved and improved upon throughout history

American Farmhouse Style

From the glass cathedrals of the Victorian age to the glazed offices of today… Alan Stein and Nancy Virts’s book charts the fascinating history of the modern conservatory.

The Irish Times

A top 5 art and design book for your spring reading list! Trace the origins of these glassy masterpieces – and swoon over the leafy wonders they house – in this new volume, written by married conservatory builders Alan Stein and Nancy Virts

Boston Home Magazine

While you shouldn’t necessarily buy a book based on appearances, this is certainly a book I would buy for its look! The large pages and oversized cover, along with the bright colors of the conservatories and plants, make this book so satisfying to look at and page through

The Washington Gardener

Illustrating their text with stunning photography, the authors Alan Stein and Nancy Virts, co-founders of Maryland’s Tanglewood Conservatories, survey the evolution of the conservatory in Europe, North America, and ultimately, the world.

The Dirt, ASLA