New publication celebrates Bedford Park’s 150th anniversary

Beautiful Bedford Park cover

Free booklet tells the history of Bedford Park and celebrates its unique design

The Bedford Park Society has launched a free publication to mark the 15oth anniversary of the creation of the ‘first garden suburb’.

Beautiful Bedford Park — a celebration of the suburb’s history and architecture is a 42 page publication, telling the story of how the area was conceived and developed from 1875 when founder Jonathan Carr’s vision for a garden suburb became the model for many future suburbs.

The publication has articles on the architecture, interiors, gardens and open vistas: ‘which highlight the aspects of Bedford Park which make it so special visually and as a community’ say the Bedford Park Society.

(L) Blue and White 1896, Louise Joplin. NMGM, Lady Lever Art Gallery; (R) A Bedford Park vista; photographer: Ellen Rooney

It covers the entire area, from the houses dominated by the designs of Norman Shaw and his followers to the fine surrounding streets in “outer” Bedford Park; it  follows the area’s history from its inception to the present day, and includes some of the original plans and architectural drawings.

The booklet is one of two projects carried out by the society’s volunteers to mark the anniversary. The other was a research project which threw up some new information about Bedford Park’s history and resulted in a local exhibition:

READ ALSO: Bedford Park 150 anniversary project turns up new information about its history

Residents of Bedford Park should already have had their copied delivered. Anyone else who would like a copy can pick one up from the Turnham Green offices of Knight Frank, Savills or Whitmans or contact: information@bedfordpark.org.uk to arrange for a copy to be posted.

The Society is grateful to Knight Frank, Savills, Whitman & Co and Hounslow Thriving Communities Fund for sponsorship and support in its anniversary projects.

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