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| Wednesday, 21 January 2004 |
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An architectural legacy by Chandani Jayatilleke Renowned English architect, town planner and landscape expert, Sir Frederick Gibberd, had preserved a bit of his architectural marvels in the form of a 'garden' in Harlow in the County of Essex in England. Landscape experts describe this garden as an outstanding example of 20th century garden design. As I walked through the neatly landscaped garden, breathing fresh air and admiring the modern sculpture collection, I was mesmerised by the serenity and tranquillity around me. It took me back to the 'Brief' - the garden of our own accomplished architect, the late Jeffry Bawa. It appears that the works of the accomplished architects the world over have something in common - the touch and the finish of some of their masterpieces look alike, which blend beautifully with the concept of 'universal architecture'.
I got the opportunity to visit this marvellous landscape as part of a study exchange program, organised by the Rotary International. The visit was well worth it. Being in a hectic study programme, the visit to the landscape helped refresh and rejuvenate our minds. The glades, groves, pools and alleys provide settings for some 50 sculptures, large ceramic pots, architectural salvage, a gazebo and a moated castle. Sir Frederick was the master planner and chief planner for Harlow New Town. The Gibberd Garden is a fine example of the way in which the abstract style of garden design was influenced by the Arts and Crafts Style. Sir Frederick's love of plants equalled that of architecture. In England, Sir Frederick had done a wide variety of architectural and landscaping projects, including Heathrow Airport, Liverpool Cathedral, Regent's Park Mosque and the Kielder Reservoir. In 1946 he was appointed as master-planner for Harlow New Town. His original plan for the town is regarded by many as his greatest achievement. From the beginning of his connection with Harlow, Sir Frederick had been looking for a property where he could create a garden from scratch. He found what he wanted in a 16-acre land in Marsh Lane and when in 1956 he moved in, he became the only New Town planner to live in the town he had planned. He inherited the splendid lime tree avenue, the gazebo, the formal pool and, of course, the 1907 bungalow. Ironically, the town's master-planner was not granted planning permission to demolish and rebuild the house, and he had to settle for its re-development. In Sir Frederick's own words: 'Garden design is an art of space, like architecture and town design. The space, to be a recognisable design, must be contained and the plants and walls enclosing it then become part of the adjacent spaces. The garden has thus become a series of rooms, each with its own character, from small intimate spaces to large enclosed prospects.' Sir Frederick also constructed various features including, especially for his grandchildren, the moated Castle and the tree house. During his lifetime the garden was often opened to the public in aid of local charities. He was always present, enthusiastically showing visitors round and generously taking cutting for fellow enthusiasts. He continued to work on the garden until his death in 1984. It was Sir Frederick's wish that the garden should eventually pass to the Harlow District Council for the recreation and education of the people of Harlow. After a nearly two-hour walk through the garden, we sat down to freshen up and relax with a cup of tea at the tea centre where visitors could enjoy a wide selection of teas, fresh coffee, soft drinks and ice creams including home-made cakes and traditional cream teas. What's alluring for the tourist is its small gift outlet with a nice collection of souvenirs such as postcards, greetings cards and tea towels. The house and garden now belong to the Gibberd Garden Trust. **** Back **** |
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