Agricoltura
David C. H. Austin OBE VMH (1926-2018)
From a farming background, David developed a keen interest in Old Roses in his early twenties. David felt that although the Old Roses were charming and often had magnificent fragrances, they were lacking in the colour diversity and ability to repeat flower common to the more modern Hybrid Teas. This realisation sowed the seeds for the collection of English Roses that we all enjoy today as he set about creating an entirely new rose which combined the beauty and fragrance of Old Roses with the benefits of modern roses. His first English Rose was Constance Spry launched in 1961. Amongst the expansive collection, notable varieties include Gertrude Jekyll – twice voted the nation's favourite rose – and more recently, Olivia Rose Austin .
David was rewarded for his outstanding contribution to horticulture, receiving gold standard accolades at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and an OBE for services to horticulture in 2007.
David Austin Jnr, son and Managing Director of the company for the last 25 years said:
"My father – or Mr A as he was affectionately known within the wider Austin family – was a remarkable man. His love for the art of rose breeding was truly inspiring; he loved nothing more than seeing the pleasure that his roses gave to others.
His presence will be sorely missed within the global family company that he created. But the passion he instilled will continue and we will hold true to my father's vision when he founded the company almost 60 years ago."
The Austin family invites anyone who wishes to share their memories and condolences to send these to rememberingmra@davidaustinroses.com
Please visit our online Media Centre at https://www.davidaustinroses.co.uk/press-and-media/david-c-h-austin for further information about David Austin Snr and a library of images.
David Austin Roses Limited is a world-leading breeder of fine English roses. A family business based in the Shropshire countryside, the company has over 200 varieties of roses to its name. In 1961, David Austin Snr introduced his first English Rose, 'Constance Spry'. Now, nearly 60 years on,
his collection of English Roses are celebrated throughout the world, winning a plethora of awards for their exceptional beauty, delicious fragrances and outstanding garden performance.
David Austin Garden Roses: www.davidaustinroses.com
David Austin Cut Roses: www.davidaustin.com
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/800515/David_Austin_Roses_Logo.jpg
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/800516/David_Austin_Snr.jpg