The Pergola and Hill Garden in the West of Hampstead Heath is one of London's hidden treasures. People often walk into it's grounds believing that they've invaded someone's private property. But it is very much open to the public. And it does have that look of being a secret garden. It's often been described as having a sense of faded grandeur. So it's hardly surprising that it has become a popular place for artists, film-makers and photographers. And it was all brought about by a wealthy philanthropist who bought the surrounding property in 1904, and then proceeded to build a Pergola, completing it in 1906. Up until around the mid 1990's before the major overhaul and building refurbishments, the Pergola had fallen on hard times and many of it's pillars had collapsed and were scattered everywhere. It had basically become an abandoned ruin. And so on my visit to the Pergola on Thursday on a sunny early evening I passed at least three different groups of film makers and fashion photographers, all taking advantage of the early Summer evening light. And it is a popular place for fashion shoots with it's faded grandeur setting. I'm forever opening up a magazine and recognizing images of where the Pergola has been used as a backdrop. THE HILL GARDEN AND PERGOLA (Historic Britain). |
Above: Another photo shoot taking place just outside The Hill Garden. The model being shot by a Japanese camera team cant be seen as she's lying low in the grass. |
Above: The Pond in The Hill Garden. Below: The Hill Garden leading to The Pergola. |
Above: A Moonlight wreath made of Honesty seed pods. Image via & more info at Local Harvest website. |
Above: The first Honesty seedling broke through just yesterday. And I only planted them about 5 days ago having stored them away over the Winter. |
Summer Roses in Golders Hill Park, The West Heath. |
Above: Golders Hill Park, all part of Hampstead Heath. |
What an interesting place and interesting personal connection. The photos are great, both human and the Heath.
ReplyDeleteAndrew, Well I do feel privileged living fairly near to these parts of Hampstead.
ReplyDeleteAnd yet some Londoners might need to travel miles to get to such a big green open
space.
I should try and get in a smiling photo amongst those old stills.