This month we draw the south side of Regent’s Park, its
gardens and parkland. This offers the
opportunity of many colourful subjects.
We start in the fragrant Queen Mary’s Gardens which have over twelve
thousand rose plants which will be in full bloom, and the dramatic Triton
Fountain. We can also sketch the
fountains and flower beds of the Avenue Gardens, and St John’s Lodge with its
classical layout and English flower beds.
Finally, the bandstand, boating lake and the park’s open spaces. There are views of the grand mansions of the Outer
Circle, and people at play and leisure activities.
The day is free of charge, no need to book, just turn up
with your art kit.
Key times and meeting points for the day
11am: Meet just inside the Jubilee Gates (see photograph
above) on the south side of the Inner Circle road/Queen Mary’s Gardens
1pm: Meet around the Triton Fountain (see photograph below)
in Queen Mary’s Gardens to look at sketches done so far
3.30pm: Meet at the Jubilee Gates again to look at sketches
and to take group photographs.
After the final throw down of sketchbooks, we have a few
suggestions for places to meet and catch up.
The Garden Café in the park has a selection of food, wine and
refreshments. Alternatively, the
Volunteer pub is a short walk away at 245-247 Baker Street.
Options for drawing
Options include: Queen Mary’s Gardens including the Triton Fountain and the
famous rose garden:
The Avenue Gardens which have formal flower beds, fountains and planted
urns:
The little known and beautiful St John’s Lodge garden:
The
bandstand, waterfall, views of the Outer Circle and lake:
If the weather is wet, these are a few suggestions: the Garden
Café inside the park; the Museum of the Royal Academy of Music on Marylebone
Road (free admission, open 12 noon until 4 pm); St Marylebone Church at 17
Marylebone Road (open 8 am until 4 pm). There are also cafes and bars along
Marylebone High Road.
Practical information
The nearest underground stations are Baker Street and
Regent’s Park, and Great Portland Street is not far away. There are some line closures on the underground this weekend, so check the Transport for London website and allow enough time for your journey.
The website of Regent’s Park has detailed information about
the facilities and history of the park, including a map and photographs. There are also maps on information boards at
several points in the park. The park has
several cafes including the Garden Café and Expresso Bar, and there are public
toilets (locations indicated on the information board maps in the park). Admission to the park is free of charge.
This day is run by Steven Baker and Elwyn Edwards, and photographs are by Steven Baker.
