Wandsworth (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A new statue of Fanny Wilkinson, the UK’s first professional female landscape designer, has been unveiled at the historic 1904 fountain in Wandsworth’s Coronation Gardens.
The monument, which was unveiled today (3 July), completes the repair of the long-dormant water fountain and makes it a focal point of the gardens.
Fanny Wilkinson, Britain’s first professional female landscape designer, is honored by the new statue. More than 75 public gardens in London, including Coronation Gardens, were designed and laid out by Fanny.
The statue was professionally made after a community-led project with the Friends of Coronation Gardens, Enable, and Wandsworth Council. It was selected after a design competition held in collaboration with the Putney School of Art and Design.
Recently, Coronations Gardens, a historic park in Southfields, has benefited from extensive renovations, including a new playground and the refurbishment of the water fountain.
The council has partially funded the restoration of the fountain, which was first put in place in 1904. Photographs from the early 1900s show a figurine above the bowl that was part of the original design. The goal of Gillian Brett’s design is to replace this lost figure.
Paul White, Cabinet Member for Environment, said:
“By maintaining the heritage of this garden, we honour its past while making thoughtful improvements that allow it to serve the needs of today’s visitors. The statue is a wonderful addition to Coronation Gardens and a fitting tribute to Fanny Wilkinson’s legacy. This has been a fantastic community effort, and I want to congratulate Gillian on her beautiful design.
The investment doesn’t stop here, we’re committed to continually improving and enhancing all of our parks across the borough, as we know our residents value meaningful, peaceful green spaces.”
This project was a collaboration with the Friends of Coronation Gardens group. Charles Runcie, chair of the Friends of Coronation Gardens, said:
“We’re thrilled we now have a centrepiece for the fountain, to complete its restoration. Who better for it to be than an image of Fanny Wilkinson, the ground-breaking garden designer, who laid out Coronation Gardens over a century ago and whose legacy we honour.”
Gillian Brett, artist and sculptor, said:
“My figure is holding out a small plant, not only commemorating Fanny Wilkinson’s devotion to planning gardens, but also to symbolise the growing shoots of creativity. The repeating motif of olive branches around the bottom of her skirt, is a nod to the Friends of Coronation Gardens’ logo.”
Coronation Gardens was established in 1902 to honor King Edward VII’s coronation in August of that year. Sir William Lancaster, a politician, philanthropist, and businessman who co-founded the Putney School of Art and Design and was the second mayor of Wandsworth from 1901 to 1902, gave it to the town’s residents.
The gardens are still a popular green area in the center of Southfields today, appreciated for its tranquil setting, neighborhood gatherings, and ties to the area’s history.
As part of our year as the London Borough of Culture 2025, the Wandsworth Heritage Festival is back and better than before.
There is still time to take in the history interwoven throughout our borough as the event finishes on July 13.