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This year marks the 70th anniversary of the creation of the Grade II-listed house and garden at Marsh Lane, Harlow, by the architect Sir Frederick Gibberd and his wife. He is remembered for designing Liverpool’s Catholic Cathedral, dedicated to Christ the King, and for his work in drawing up the masterplan for Harlow in 1947.
Harlow was one of eight new towns created beyond the London Green Belt under the New Towns Act 1946 to help alleviate housing shortages following the Second World War. The country’s leading post-war architects accepted Gibberd’s invitation to design buildings in the town, which was notable for including Britain’s first dedicated cycling paths, the first pedestrian shopping precincts, and the first modern residential tower block.
Gibberd and his wife lived ‘on site’ as the new town took shape, having bought a plot of land on the eastern side of Harlow. There they built ‘The House’ and developed its surrounding nine-acre garden, creating several plant- and sculpture-filled outdoor ‘rooms’ immediately around their home, with the planting gradually becoming more naturalistic as the land slopes towards the Pincey Brook, which forms the site’s northern boundary.
Gibberd deliberately used modern materials for his house and garden, including a gazebo built entirely of concrete, though it was designed to look timeless. Sadly, this garden shows that the confidence placed by 20th century architects in the longevity of concrete has proved to be misplaced. The gazebo has been impacted by moisture and the corrosion of the metal used as concrete reinforcement, and the Gibberd Garden Trust faces a major fundraising task as it tries to conserve this and other structures.
Parts of ‘The House’ are open on Sundays and for private tours, offering the chance to enjoy the nostalgia of 1960s furnishings, the views of the garden framed by large picture windows, and numerous drawings, photographs, and architectural models spanning Sir Frederick’s career. As well as opening for snowdrops and hellebores in the spring and tree colour in the autumn, the garden hosts special events throughout the year, including outdoor theatre, a jazz festival, and a carol concert, as well as beer and book festivals. Located a short distance from the M11 motorway, it rewards a visit – not least with a tea shop serving generous portions of home-made cake – and it deserves our support.
Further information: https://thegibberdgarden.co.uk
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