Sunday, July 12, 2009

Paddington Street, London


First and last

The background to this little building is outlined on a helpful board nearby. Paddington Street Gardens originated in the 18th century as a burial ground for the parish church of St Martylebone. The land was granted to the parish by Edward Harley, Earl of Oxford, in 1730 and the burial ground was opened in 1733. There were few burials after 1814, when the St John’s Wood burial ground was opened, and subsequently most of the headstones were removed and the land turned into a park. But this mausoleum was left in place. It was built by the Hon Richard Fitzpatrick for his wife, who died in 1759, aged just 30. Later his daughter was buried there too.

So much for the history. But what made me notice this small building, aside from its fine lines and the large urn acting as an outsize finial and funerary symbol, is the way it works in its setting. The pale stone building acts as a focus in this enclave of plane trees, lawns. and flowers. And as if to confirm that, the gardeners have attached hanging baskets, so that plants and stones, soft and hard landscaping, come together. This winning combination is typical of graveyards, where the seasonal round of flower and leaf acts in counterpoint to the theme of last things, turning our thoughts from death to the renewal of life. In Paddington Street Gardens, the mausoleum and its vivid flowers ensure that this process is re-enacted year by year.

11 comments:

Peter Ashley said...

I wonder if this was an inspiration for Quinlan Terry's ventilator in Gibson Square, Islington, for the Victoria Line underneath.

Philip Wilkinson said...

Well, I think Terry's little faux-gazebo had other more famous classical inspirations, but it's still an interesting parallel of a small, squarish structure in a garden.

martin said...

Mansion House to Gibson Square is the first run they give you on the knowledge. There's not a lot of people know that.

Jon Dudley said...

Mornington Crescent!

Philip Wilkinson said...

No, no. That move would put you in Nidd.

North End Road.

Jon Dudley said...

Hmm, I think you should refer to Paulson's for adjudication on that call.

Peter Ashley said...

Gloucester Road.

Philip Wilkinson said...

Fairlop.

Jon Dudley said...

Cockfosters.

martin said...

Mile End?

Philip Wilkinson said...

Wapping.