Sunday 15 June 2008

Benches at the Redcross garden

A visit to the Redcross garden in Bankside, London garnered some wonderful benches. The garden was originally built by the social reformer, Octavia Hill, to act as an outside sitting room for the needy local people but then fell into disrepair for many years. Now it's an oasis, with this beautiful pond-side bench to sit on and dream.



And this recognition of someone who dreamed (and nagged) for the revival of the garden:



And this one to Elizabeth Casson who went on to help found the occupational health profession after seeing what good could be done in the garden's hall which put on activities such as dancing, singing, poetry readings and children's games...



And this bench is where the garden's fans hope the bandstand will one day be built again...

2 comments:

pierre l said...

You do find some very interesting gardens, Sarah. Thank you for your efforts.

Sarah Salway said...

Oh thanks, Pierre. I must admit I keep this blog for me - I LOVE these city gardens - so it's an extra special pleasure to find someone else 'walking round' them with me!