As London returns to normal after the Olympics, I miss not only the sport but the emptiness of the rest of the city. In the next couple of posts, I’ll feature some ‘secret’ gardens I came across when I managed to tear myself from the TV. They’re perfect for a quiet alfresco drink or a lounge with a book, and enjoying them won’t cost you more than a sandwich at Pret A Manger.
First up is the garden at the Victoria & Albert Museum, designed by landscape architect Kim Wilkie. Lined with hydrangeas and formal planters, it’s reminiscent of an Italian palazzo. It’s grand – and loads of fun.
Kids (and adults) can paddle in the shallow pool, spin and wobble on a Thomas Heatherwick chair or simply lie on the grass. On a warm Friday evening (when the V&A opens late) it was busy but civilised, and light years from the bustle of the city just outside.
Mega V&A hoo-hah at the moment because they’ve got planning permission to take down a screen which allows Exhibition Road to ‘flow through’ into the museum. It’s great when open space design makes controversial headlines: http://www.bdonline.co.uk/comment/debate/should-the-va-alter-its-aston-webb-screen?/5040957.article
Interesting! I can’t read the link, though – needs a login…
Don’t you hate people who post crap links. This doesn’t do it justice but at least you can read it…
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/b63a5456-cc05-11e1-aac1-00144feabdc0.html#axzz23q3vFxWE