Garden Museum

Are your bookshelves overflowing with gardening books? Pass them onto a new happy home! 📚📚📚
This Christmas we're collecting second hand gardening books to sell in our shop and raise money for the Museum's work. Want to help? Just drop your books off at the front desk.

Need a reason to get up and go this weekend? Take our 131 Step Challenge! Climb to the top of our medieval tower, and you'll be rewarded with views across the Thames and over the city.
Share your views from the top with the hashtag #131stepchallenge: https://gardenmuseum.org.uk/…/climb-gar den-museums-medieva…/

A bit of winter sun today shining new life into our Dan Pearson designed Sackler Garden.
🌞
Thinking of visiting us this weekend? Here's how to find us: https://gardenmuseum.org.uk/visit/

A true artist plantsman, Cedric Morris believed there was a difference between ‘a flower painting and a good painting of flowers’. 🥀
The latter would be by any artist who simply happened to choose flowers as the subject for that painting, just as they might any other still life. The former is painted by an artist who loves and understands flowers completely – as Morris did himself.
New in the Museum this week is Cedric Morris’ painting Poppies and Sweet Peas – see it upstair...s in the Finnis Scott Gallery!
💐💐💐
Image: Cedric Morris, Poppies and Sweet Peas (c.1930) © Philip Mould & Company.
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Roll up for the Great Humphry Repton Raffle! 🎟️🎟️🎟️
For just £5 a ticket, you could win a limited edition set of 3 Red Book reproductions – Antony House, Attingham Park and Sheringham Hall. Only 515 copies were ever printed, meticulously reproduced in collotype and printed on wove paper as close as possible to the paper Repton himself used.
And the good news is - you can buy as many tickets for this fundraising raffle as you like! Get your tickets: https://gardenmuseum.org.uk/the-great-hum phry-repton-raffl…/

Before ➡️ 👀 and after!
Humphry Repton's Red Books were a clever marketing tool - clients would lift the flaps to see their gardens transformed - provided they paid him handsomely to make the design a reality!
Delve into Repton's world this weekend in Repton Revealed, open till 3 Feb: https://gardenmuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/r epton-revealed/
... 📕📕📕
Images: Humphry Repton Mulgrave Castle Red Book 1793, with kind permission of the Marquis and Marchioness of Normanby
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Our REPTON REVEALED: The Art of Landscape Gardening exhibition is now open!
Explore over 20 of Humphry Repton’s Red Books before it closes, February 3rd 2019. https://gardenmuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/r epton-revealed/

Last few spaces available for Friday's taster day, when you can learn more about our amazing Museum Futures role!
Learn more about working at the Garden Museum, and how you can develop a career in the arts, digital conservation and preserving heritage. The Museum Futures Trainee will also gain a Level 3 Diploma in Cultural Heritage during this year long role with us.
Book your free place on the Friday's taster day, 3pm-5pm, here: https://www.museumfutures.co.uk/apply/

Introducing our new exhibition 'Repton Revealed' which opens on 24th October!
Find out more on our website, www.gardenmuseum.org.uk
Director: Dorothea Gibbs... Producer: Third Channel Animator: Tom Langton
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We are thrilled to announce that applications are now open for our Museum Futures Traineeship, supported by Heritage Lottery Fund and British Museum!
If you are 18-24 and keen to explore a career in museums, collections or digital preservation, or if you know someone who is, find out more at www.museumfutures.co.uk.

Paint your own watercolour, or make a paper cut of a Flower Fairy-inspired design
Draw inspiration from the Flower Fairy illustrations with artist Jessica Palmer. Their delicate watercolour style and story-book imagery will be our starting point to create new designs. Working with a letter or a flower pattern, we will use watercolour paints or make black and white paper cuts with a strong graphic style. There will be a chance to do both if you wish. Your ticket includes a visit to the exhibition and all materials and tools.

Last week we were delighted to meet Michael- one of Cicely Mary Barker's original Flower Fairies!
As a child Michael modeled for Cicely and appears in 'Flower Fairies of the Wayside' as the Bee Orchis, Sow Thistle and Horned Poppy.

Tim Richardson’s next guest in his ‘Gardener’s Cabinet’ series is Tom Stuart-Smith, the landscape designer, whose work ranges from eight Chelsea gold medals (and three ‘Best in Show’) to the Jardin Secret in Marrakesh to the succession of masterpieces which have taken the design of English country house gardens into the 21st century.
The ‘Gardener’s Cabinet’ has been conceived by Tim, garden historian and landscape critic, to learn the secrets of what makes great designers tick. Tom will pick eight items – from a favourite book and piece of music to his favourite garden – and tell us how they have inspired his work.

Will you spend your weekend playing with the Flower Fairies?

We thought you might like a visit from this special fairy today, bringing some much needed sunshine! Do you recognise the flower in this 1925 watercolour by Cicely Mary Barker?

The Strawberry Fairy is helping us today, decorating some delicious fairy cakes!
Which fairy would you choose se to decorate your fairy cake? Rose, cornflower or strawberry?

On this wet afternoon we've found ourselves wishing that we had a hat and jacket like The Dogwood Fairy's! Which is your favourite of the Flower Fairies outfits?

We're really excited to share our new exhibition 'Flower Fairies: Botanical Magic' with you! The exhibition is finally complete and opening tomorrow. We're sure you'll find it magical!

Well worth a visit , we had a most enjoyable snack and drink! The display of garden tools hanging down is worthy of a visit on its own or would not look out of place in an art gallery.

We went primarily to try out the new café. It really is superb, fully justifying Jay Rayner's recent review in The Observer. Pleasingly short menu (changes daily), imaginative seasonal dishes (lambs hearts, damson ice cream), stunning new architecture (just get those bronze shingles). Vies with the Anchor and Hope for providing the best food this side of the river, and vastly better than Pharmacy 2 at Newport Street. That we could then wander round the new museum was the icing on the metaphorical cake. We will be regular customers.

The food is sublime !

The Garden Museum is superb. The Church it is housed in is one of the oldest buildings in the London borough of Lambeth. Since reopening this year it has improved tremendously, the Church has been refurbished but the tranquil atmosphere of the original Church remains. Careful sympathetic design has increased the exhibition space: a mezzanine floor has been installed and a stunning extension which provides a learning zone, a kitchen and an excellent cafe/restaurant. There are tombs and graves as well as the original 12th century tower with 131 steps. There are great views from the top of the tower.

The Garden Museum is quite simply my favorite place in London. I read about it pre-internet and visit each time I travel to the UK. This last time, I lucked upon a private tour that was so very fascinating. Enclyopedic knowledge of its history dating back to 1200. 6 Bishops are buried here. The lunch counter is divine as is the gift shop. The #KnotGarden is exquisite. I cannot wait to see the new exhibit space. A jewel not to be missed.

The Garden Museum Café is a little gem. A lovely space with a modern nordic interior, a view on a courtyard full of plants. They serve fresh seasonal food. All very tasty. Perfect for a light Sunday lunch. I love the open kitchen, the chef is litteraly cooking in front of you. They also have a selection of simple yet excellent breakfast options - bacon sarny, eggs on toast, fresh pastries. The Garden museum is also worth a go, so it is tiny. Don't expect to spend hours there. The old Chruch which houses the museum has been carefully renovated. Worth a visit just to see the building. The café is not open for dinner which is a bit of a shame as they serve the best fare in North Lambeth

Stumbled upon this wonderful place by chance. An oasis of calm in the London noise. Had the tastiest veggie soup for lunch..... A short browse around the garden shop, then back out again into the chaos beyond the Garden Museums gate! Hope to visit this peaceful place again on my next trip to London.

Mum and I loved our visit to the Garden Museum. The beautiful church of St Mary-at-Lambeth is where my grandparents exchanged their marriage vows on Christmas Day 1926. The banana bread that we had with our afternoon tea was delicious!

I really enjoyed my visit to the Garden Museum. The new garden is beautiful with a selection of different plants. The new building is stunning and the whole refurbishment is a triumph.

Beautifully presented and very interesting. What a wonderful way to make use of an unneeded church. The cafe is great too.

A fascinating place. I spent far longer there than intended. Amazing view of the Thames and Lambeth Palace, from the tower. Cafe and courtyard garden. BBC Garden collectìon of programmes memorabilia. From there I walked to Somerset House and the Courtauld Gallery easily. I will definitely go back.

Located in an old 1800's church, the museum has some very nice garden and farming tool displays, some several hundreds years old.

Great collection of garden related pieces. Helpful staff and fascinating building to house it all. Cafe OK but pricey and very busy.

A delighftul space, great food in the restaurant, good special and permanent exhibitions very interesting especially for gardeners. Shop had sold out of the cards I wanted which was disappointing.

I found it to be a very relaxing space. I was a little underwhelmed by the exhibits, especially considering the £10 price tag, but the cafe and the view from the tower were both excellent.

I was disappointed to be frank. It's a great space but the narrative of the museum is confused. Is this a museum of the history of the British garden or John tradescanti? Why was Gertrude Jekyll referred to when other famous gardeners and Gardens like Christopher Lloyd at Great Dixter and Capability Brown not? I wanted to see the evolution of British Gardens from before the industrial revolution, during it, post war , and more modern times. How and why has gardening become popular? How did it start? When and why was the RHS set up, what has the influence of flower shows like Chelsea or Hampton Court been? What have been gardening trends regards design? I could go on. I felt paying £10 didn't represent VFM. The restaurant however was superb and the gift shop pretty good too.

the cafe a modernist trendy concoction, with a similar menu. Prior to the revamp you could get a good luch here.. not so now

What were the vast numbers of work experierence / volunteers / interns doing there yesterday? very little. What's that all about? Not sure what the redevelopment gives. Tower was closed - a complementary visit at another time might have been appropriate.

Lacks a thread to hold together. Staff disorganised, till service poor and lights to exhibitions only turned off after we had visited.

Shame as could be lovely

Well worth a visit , we had a most enjoyable snack and drink! The display of garden tools hanging down is worthy of a visit on its own or would not look out of place in an art gallery.

We went primarily to try out the new café. It really is superb, fully justifying Jay Rayner's recent review in The Observer. Pleasingly short menu (changes daily), imaginative seasonal dishes (lambs hearts, damson ice cream), stunning new architecture (just get those bronze shingles). Vies with the Anchor and Hope for providing the best food this side of the river, and vastly better than Pharmacy 2 at Newport Street. That we could then wander round the new museum was the icing on the metaphorical cake. We will be regular customers.

The food is sublime !

The Garden Museum is superb. The Church it is housed in is one of the oldest buildings in the London borough of Lambeth. Since reopening this year it has improved tremendously, the Church has been refurbished but the tranquil atmosphere of the original Church remains. Careful sympathetic design has increased the exhibition space: a mezzanine floor has been installed and a stunning extension which provides a learning zone, a kitchen and an excellent cafe/restaurant. There are tombs and graves as well as the original 12th century tower with 131 steps. There are great views from the top of the tower.

The Garden Museum is quite simply my favorite place in London. I read about it pre-internet and visit each time I travel to the UK. This last time, I lucked upon a private tour that was so very fascinating. Enclyopedic knowledge of its history dating back to 1200. 6 Bishops are buried here. The lunch counter is divine as is the gift shop. The #KnotGarden is exquisite. I cannot wait to see the new exhibit space. A jewel not to be missed.

The Garden Museum Café is a little gem. A lovely space with a modern nordic interior, a view on a courtyard full of plants. They serve fresh seasonal food. All very tasty. Perfect for a light Sunday lunch. I love the open kitchen, the chef is litteraly cooking in front of you. They also have a selection of simple yet excellent breakfast options - bacon sarny, eggs on toast, fresh pastries. The Garden museum is also worth a go, so it is tiny. Don't expect to spend hours there. The old Chruch which houses the museum has been carefully renovated. Worth a visit just to see the building. The café is not open for dinner which is a bit of a shame as they serve the best fare in North Lambeth

Stumbled upon this wonderful place by chance. An oasis of calm in the London noise. Had the tastiest veggie soup for lunch..... A short browse around the garden shop, then back out again into the chaos beyond the Garden Museums gate! Hope to visit this peaceful place again on my next trip to London.

Mum and I loved our visit to the Garden Museum. The beautiful church of St Mary-at-Lambeth is where my grandparents exchanged their marriage vows on Christmas Day 1926. The banana bread that we had with our afternoon tea was delicious!

I really enjoyed my visit to the Garden Museum. The new garden is beautiful with a selection of different plants. The new building is stunning and the whole refurbishment is a triumph.

Beautifully presented and very interesting. What a wonderful way to make use of an unneeded church. The cafe is great too.

A fascinating place. I spent far longer there than intended. Amazing view of the Thames and Lambeth Palace, from the tower. Cafe and courtyard garden. BBC Garden collectìon of programmes memorabilia. From there I walked to Somerset House and the Courtauld Gallery easily. I will definitely go back.

Located in an old 1800's church, the museum has some very nice garden and farming tool displays, some several hundreds years old.

Great collection of garden related pieces. Helpful staff and fascinating building to house it all. Cafe OK but pricey and very busy.

A delighftul space, great food in the restaurant, good special and permanent exhibitions very interesting especially for gardeners. Shop had sold out of the cards I wanted which was disappointing.

I found it to be a very relaxing space. I was a little underwhelmed by the exhibits, especially considering the £10 price tag, but the cafe and the view from the tower were both excellent.

I was disappointed to be frank. It's a great space but the narrative of the museum is confused. Is this a museum of the history of the British garden or John tradescanti? Why was Gertrude Jekyll referred to when other famous gardeners and Gardens like Christopher Lloyd at Great Dixter and Capability Brown not? I wanted to see the evolution of British Gardens from before the industrial revolution, during it, post war , and more modern times. How and why has gardening become popular? How did it start? When and why was the RHS set up, what has the influence of flower shows like Chelsea or Hampton Court been? What have been gardening trends regards design? I could go on. I felt paying £10 didn't represent VFM. The restaurant however was superb and the gift shop pretty good too.

the cafe a modernist trendy concoction, with a similar menu. Prior to the revamp you could get a good luch here.. not so now

What were the vast numbers of work experierence / volunteers / interns doing there yesterday? very little. What's that all about? Not sure what the redevelopment gives. Tower was closed - a complementary visit at another time might have been appropriate.

Lacks a thread to hold together. Staff disorganised, till service poor and lights to exhibitions only turned off after we had visited.

Shame as could be lovely