To
request new photos of the new garden to be sent please email the events team
here - events@thedrapers.co.uk. The garden at Drapers’ Hall has long been a
place of pride and beauty, to be enjoyed by guests at The Hall.
The
old garden at Drapers’ Hall has been re-landscaped during winter 2015/2016 to
create an even more functional & beautiful event space. Despite being a
beautiful haven in The City of London, the previous design did not lend itself
well to the Company’s tradition of entertaining in the garden, the biggest
weakness being the positioning of the central planters and pond which hindered
the gathering of any significant numbers.
The
focus of the new design has been to soften the linear layout, create more space
for people to gather (with 180 guests easily able to gather, as opposed to the
previous maximum of 140 guests), provide step-free access into the garden and
to overhaul the planting scheme; all whilst preserving the garden’s historic
and serene atmosphere. Concept image of the new Garden design at Drapers’ Hall
The new design incorporates echoes of past times, the circles and curves
created by the planters and paths referencing the Tudor knot garden first
created by Thomas Cromwell in the 1530s and then maintained by the Company. The
17th century concept of garden houses and shaded areas for people to gather
within and musicians to play, are reflected by the creation of garden ‘rooms’
with shaded areas. The long tradition of planting fruit bearing trees and
bushes continues, as is the planting of a wide variety of herbs, roses and
flowering plants providing colour, scents and interest. The historic mulberry
trees of course have been retained, as have features as the water fountain and
1709 lead cistern.
The new garden is due to be completed Spring 2016, in time
for the new space to new enjoyed for summer
parties and soirees. For more information about hiring Drapers’ Hall and the gardens please contact the
events team on 0207 448 1324 or email events@thedrapers.co.uk