A new bust of Humphry Repton was unveiled in October – not in the famous London Square he created, Bloomsbury’s own Russell Square, but on the corner of Humphry Repton Lane and Elvin Gardens, just moments away from world-famous Olympic Way in Wembley. The bust was created by professional sculptor Hannah Northam.
It was donated by Haddonstone, specialists in the design and manufacture of architectural and garden stonework, to The Gardens Trust as the prize in the Trust’s Sharing Landscapes competition. This was held in 2018 to mark the 200th centenary of Repton’s death, which encouraged greater inclusivity and participation in the enjoyment of historic parks and gardens.
Amongst fierce competition from gardens and landscapes, large and small, from across the UK, this unique sculpture was awarded to Wembley Park. The artwork will eventually be moved to Union Park, Wembley Park’s new seven-acre public park, due for completion in 2025.
London Parks and Gardens published a book on Repton in London to mark the bi-centenary of his death. It contains a chapter on Repton’s London Squares, two of which, Bloomsbury Square and Russell Square, are in Bloomsbury.This book is still available should you wish to purchase a copy – all funds help LPG to continue its work.
Bloomsbury Squares & Gardens 