Retreat or Attack? Ian Hamilton Finlay’s Little Sparta
28 Oct 2025 7-8pm

Join us for a Tuesday evening talk exploring Little Sparta, the extraordinary garden created by poet and artist Ian Hamilton Finlay.
Nestled in the Pentland Hills of Scotland, Little Sparta is more than a garden – it is Ian Hamilton Finlay’s lifelong artwork, where landscape, sculpture, and language are woven together into a living poem. On this Tuesday evening at the Garden Museum, Ian’s son Alec Finlay, Dr Patrick Eyres, and Tim Richardson invite you to discover the story of this unique place; from classical references and radical ideas, to moments of serenity and provocation, and the community of artists, gardeners, and thinkers it continues to inspire.
Through images, anecdotes, and reflections, our speakers will bring to life the creation and legacy of Little Sparta, offering insight into Ian Hamilton Finlay’s vision and the continuing relevance of his work. This event is ideal for anyone interested in art, gardens, poetry, or the fertile spaces where they meet.
This is an opportunity to discover more about how the garden is conserved and maintained now, and what the next chapter in its life is.
Booking information:
£25 Standard
£20 Friends
£20 Young Fronds
£10 Livestream