A painting from The Royal Collection at Hampton Court Palace 'The Cascade at Bushy Park' was chosen as the original inspiration behind the renovation of the Water Gardens in Bushy Park.
Following a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, awarded to Bushy Park, the main restoration of the Water Gardens was undertaken in 2008 with the Gardens opening to the public for the first time in 2009.
Through generous donations from The Friends of Bushy and Home Parks, in collaboration with The Royal Parks, three further smaller projects have helped to transform the Gardens.
The first, which is now complete, has seen six missing finials replaced on top of the cascade walls. These were erected in February 2012 and made by a local metalwork sculptor, Gary Gray. The second stage saw the recreation of the reeds at the bottom of the walls. The metal reeds were installed in March this year and were built by Ian Gill, a sculptor who exhibits at the Hampton Court Flower Show.
The final stage, due to be undertaken this year, will be to recreate the painted effects in the 'Cascade' painting which appear to show the illusion that the alcoves either side of the cascade were linked.
Simon Richards, Bushy Park Manager, said:
"I'd like to thank The Friends of Bushy and Home Parks for all of their research and support for the Water Gardens.
"The new metal reeds look fantastic and with the final touches falling into place the Gardens make a wonderful addition to Bushy Park. I hope all that visit enjoy the new improvements."
The Water Gardens are open to the public every day except Mondays (Bank Holidays excepted, when the garden will be closed on Tuesdays).
The Cascade at Bushy Park - credit Royal Collection Trust © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2013
