Gunnersbury is as Pretty as a Picture

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Painting joins the collection at Gunnersbury Museum

A beautiful painting depicting a scene of days gone by at Gunnersbury Park has been purchased at auction.

The painting, by the artist Maxwell Ashby Armfield, was bought by Gunnersbury Park and Museum and shows children playing by the Horseshoe Lake and the Orangery, which faces northwards towards the Large Mansion.

It features people playing tennis in the background and walking through the park and was thought to be painted not long after the park was opened to the public in 1926.

The first phase of a £54 million regeneration of the site is currently underway.

The project, which is being joint funded by Hounslow Council, Ealing Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Big Lottery Fund and Historic England will transform Gunnersbury Park and Museum into a major local, national and international centre of learning.

Restoration work taking place at the park and museum, including works on the Lake and Orangery area to bring back the stunning views that drew visitors to the parks over the centuries.

Grants were received by the Art Fund and the V&A Purchase Grant Fund to secure and conserve the painting along with contributions from both councils and the Friends of Gunnersbury Park and Museum.

Armfield [1881-1972] was an English artist, illustrator and writer and was known to be an important part of the art and crafts movement of that time.

Councillor Ed Mayne, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Leisure, Hounslow Council, said: “This painting will be a wonderful addition to the collection that will be on show once Gunnersbury Park and Museum will re-open to residents and visitors.

“It will give people visiting Gunnersbury another chance to enjoy the fantastic history of the park.”

Councillor Julian Bell, Leader of Ealing Council, said: “Gunnersbury Park is steeped in history and has been captured in some beautiful pieces of art over the years.

“This painting will join others around the museum giving visitors a glimpse into the past, while they enjoy the park and its many landmarks for themselves.”

May 19, 2016