Friday 14 April 2023

Let's draw Richmond - Saturday 20 May or Sunday 4 June 2023

Richmond Green - sketch by John Webb

Let's draw London in 2023 - Find our full programme here

This May and June we return to the pretty town of Richmond.

So good we are sketching twice! We are aiming to reduce the size of our sketching crowds by repeating this sketchwalk on two different dates.

Join us on either of the dates above to sketch in this historic and interesting location beside the River Thames. On the location map below are the historic Richmond Green and Richmond Theatre, the ancient Old Palace Yard, the spectacle of Richmond Riverside, a vibrant market, and the option to climb Richmond Hill to sketch the only view in the country that is protected by an Act of Parliament. There are many opportunities for refreshment throughout the day.

The day is run by Helen Hayhoe and John Swanson.

Meeting point at 11am

We will gather by the red telephones on the corner of Richmond Green, by the Prince’s Head and Cricketers pubs (scroll down to see our location map). This is about a 10 minute walk from Richmond Train Station and five minutes from Richmond Bus Station (see location map below).

Meeting place at 11am - Red telephone boxes at Richmond Green
Sketch by Mark Stow

Options for drawing

Richmond Riverside Wander down Water Lane to find the River Thames, with its boats, bridges and terraces.

Richmond Riverside
Sketch by John Swanson

Richmond Palace Just off the Green is the former location of Henry VII Palace with an old arched entrance which dates from 1501.

Richmond Palace gate
Sketch by Steven Baker

Duckpond Artisan Market This bustling market happens every Saturday and Sunday in Heron Square.

‘The View’ Walk up Hill Rise (about 20 minutes) to the Terrace overlooking Petersham Meadows and the River Thames. The view was famously painted by JWM Turner, among others. It is a fabulous place to sketch, with plenty of benches and The Roebuck Pub for refreshment.

The View - Richmond Hill
Sketch by Helen Hayhoe

Richmond Theatre On Little Green is Richmond Theatre, a perfect late Victorian building.

Key times and meeting points

11 AM

We will meet by the red telephones on the corner of Richmond Green, by the Prince’s Head and Cricketers pubs. This is about a 10 minute walk from Richmond Train Station and five minutes from Richmond Bus Station (see location map below).

Meeting place at 11am
Photo by Helen Hayhoe

1 PM

Meet at the memorial statue of Bernard O’Higgins* for the lunchtime throwdown and group photo. You will find the spot at Richmond Bridge, accessed next to Bill’s restaurant. Here is a small green area tucked above the steps and ramp down to Tide Tables Café. There is room here for a throwdown. We are aiming for people to file by the sketches in a clockwise direction so that we all get a chance to view them. The lovely Tide Tables Café nearby is a great place for lunch.

Location map for our 1PM throwdown at the Bernardo O'Higgins statue - click to see detail
Sketch by Helen Hayhoe

If it is raining, we will meet just over the zebra crossing in the Colonnades, which will give some shelter.

Meeting place at 1pm and 3.30 pm - The memorial bust of Bernard O'Higgins
Photo by Helen Hayhoe

*Bernard O’Higgins was a Chilean independence leader who freed Chile from Spanish rule in the Chilean War of Independence

Meeting place at 1pm and 3.30 pm if it rains --
The Colonnades outside Knight Frank estate agents
Photograph by Helen Hayhoe

3.30 PM
Meet at the same place for the afternoon throwdown and group photo.

Afterwards

We suggest the White Cross Pub on the riverside for a drink afterwards.

NB: The towpath may be submerged! The tide may be high on these dates, with High Water at 4 to 4.30pm.

The White Cross Pub
Sketch by Nick Richards

Practical information

Food and drink and conveniences

There are many cafés and pubs nearby to keep us refreshed throughout the day.

Nearby loos can be found in Richmond Station, Marks and Spencer on George Street and The Old Town Hall. There are numerous cafes and pubs with facilities. Richmond is part of the Community Toilet Scheme which lists other options.

Getting there

Public transport

Travel to Richmond upon Thames is quick and easy. Located in Zone 4 and 5 of London’s travel network, it takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the borough from London Waterloo station.

The borough is connected with direct railway (South Western Railway) and London Underground links. The town is served by many buses.

Accessibility

All of the locations mentioned in this post are wheelchair-accessible. Richmond Museum has an accessible toilet, and there is one at Eileen’s Café along the towpath towards Petersham Meadow. Please let us know if you need support on the day.

Covid guidance

Urban Sketchers London remains alert to national guidance about COVID-19 and its variants. Even though restrictions have been lifted, it's sensible to take all necessary precautions to keep ourselves and fellow sketchers safe throughout the event. The risk of infection for outdoor events is low, but basic guidance still applies:

Please do not attend if you feel unwell
Wear a face covering when you're close to others
Give people space
Practice good hand hygiene.

Further information

If you're new to Urban Sketchers London, have a look at Mike Whalley's brief history of the international Urban Sketchers movement.

Location map

See you at Richmond!

Let's draw London in 2023 -- Find our full programme here