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Kyoto Garden (Holland Park, London)

Located in London’s Holland Park, Kyoto Garden is a quiet space that reflects elements of Japanese culture within the busy city. The garden, opened in 1991, was a gift from the city of Kyoto to commemorate the long friendship between Japan and Great Britain, a relationship celebrated during the Japan Festival in London in 1992.

Upon entering the garden, visitors encounter a waterfall flowing into a pond filled with koi, stone lanterns, and a selection of Japanese maples and cherry trees. The garden also hosts a range of wildlife, such as peacocks and squirrels. The garden provides a calm environment and a cultural experience for its visitors.

Established in 1991, it was a present from the city of Kyoto to commemorate the Japan Festival in London. The garden was crafted by a renowned Japanese designer, resulting in an authentic Japanese landscape in central London. The garden represents the enduring friendship between Japan and Great Britain, and it offers visitors the opportunity to experience the serenity and aesthetics of a traditional Japanese garden within the city.

The garden hosts a range of Japanese flora, including Japanese maples and cherry trees, which offer a vibrant display of colour during the spring and autumn seasons. The garden also includes a sizable pond inhabited by koi carp, a traditional Japanese stone lantern, and a waterfall.

What Is Kyoto Garden Famous For?

It was crafted by a renowned Japanese designer, resulting in an authentic Japanese landscape in central London. It is open to anyone interested in Japanese culture or those seeking a serene environment.

The garden serves as a sanctuary for wildlife, with peacocks and squirrels frequently observed within the premises. It is open to all, whether interested in Japanese culture or seeking a tranquil escape.

Did You Know?

• The garden is well-maintained, with the waterfall and pond cleaned regularly to support the health of the koi fish.
• The garden is frequented by birdwatchers due to the variety of bird species that can be observed in the area.
• The garden is accessible throughout the year, with the spring and autumn seasons showcasing the trees in full bloom.
• The garden is wheelchair accessible, accommodating visitors with mobility issues.
• The garden is often visited by photographers due to its diverse landscapes and wildlife.
• The garden is also used for meditation and yoga, with its peaceful setting conducive for relaxation and mindfulness.

How To Get There?

Here are all the buses, trains, and tubes, that pass through a stop in Kyoto Garden:

Bus: 148, 27, 28, 31, 94

Train: OVERGROUND

Tube: CENTRAL, CIRCLE, DISTRICT

Nearest Parking and Cost

For nearest garage parking, Holland Park is only 4-min walk away from the park costs £8.20 for 2hrs. Lots of free street parkings available, 99 Abbotsbury Road is the nearest, 5-min walk away.

Nearby Attractions – Make A Day Of It!

If you’re visiting Kyoto Garden in Holland Park, consider exploring these nearby attractions:

• Holland Park

Holland Park , a large park in the middle of London near Kensington Palace, is a public park known for its beautiful gardens in London, including the serene Kyoto Garden. It is recognized for its diverse wildlife, sports facilities, and the Kyoto Garden.

• Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum , a must-visit London attraction near Kyoto Garden, is a globally recognized institution located a short way around the park from the garden. It displays an extensive collection of specimens from diverse areas of natural history.

Top 5 Closest Hidden Gems – Recommended By Adventure Clues

Your hidden gems itinerary.

• Start your day at Kyoto Garden.
• Then head to Hammersmith Bridge : Walk along the Thames Path or take a riverboat to Hammersmith Bridge.
• Explore Fitzroy House : Walk through Holland Park to reach Fitzroy House. Enjoy lunch at a nearby local café or restaurant.
• Visit BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir : Spend some time admiring the intricate architecture and serene surroundings.
• Hop on to The Prospect of Whitby : Head to The Prospect of Whitby for a unique historical experience.
• Finally, relax at Clissold Park : Go on a stroll or picnic, enjoy the park’s green spaces, ponds, and animal enclosures.

London’s hidden gem locations offer a diverse array of experiences, from tranquil gardens and historical sites to scenic walks along the Thames. These lesser-known places provide a break from the bustling city life, allowing visitors to discover the rich history and natural beauty that London has to offer.

Best Eateries Around

Here are some popular restaurants near Kyoto Garden:

• Dishoom Kensington

Dishoom Kensington is an Indian restaurant located near Kyoto Garden in London. It offers Bombay-inspired dishes and features a colonial-style decor. It is frequented by many due to its unique cuisine and ambiance.

Cibo is an Italian restaurant situated close to Kyoto Garden in London. It is recognized for its traditional Italian cuisine and comfortable ambiance.

Entry Price

It is free to enter the garden. To access Opera Holland Park inside, it costs from £17 to £70.

Final Thoughts

Kyoto Garden, a tranquil oasis nestled in Holland Park’s heart in the middle of London, beautifully encapsulates the essence of traditional Japanese gardens, serving as a symbol of gratitude of the Japanese people to the British.

Kyoto Japanese Garden FAQs

Find answers to common queries about the tranquil Kyoto Garden in London.

When is the best time to visit Kyoto Garden?

Peek at the weather trends and tourist presence to select a comfortable travel period.

What is the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park?

Kyoto Garden is a Japanese garden situated in West London, specifically within Holland Park. It is recognized as a calm and quiet green space in the region. The garden is frequented by both residents and visitors. Kyoto Garden provides a peaceful environment, contrasting with the city’s usual fast-paced atmosphere. The park is also home to free-roaming peacocks, adding to its distinct character.

When was the garden opened?

The Kyoto Garden was established in 1991, representing the enduring relationship between Japan and Great Britain. The city of Kyoto presented it as a token of this relationship. As time has passed, it has evolved into a well-regarded garden in London.

Where is Kyoto Garden situated?

Kyoto Garden is situated in Holland Park, which is part of the Notting Hill district in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Kensington is approximately half an hour away from Central London thus it can be easily reached by both tourists and locals.

What can be seen in Kyoto Garden?

The Kyoto Garden in Holland Park offers a range of visual experiences for visitors. The garden features traditional stone lanterns, Japanese Maple trees, and a tiered waterfall. The pond within the garden is inhabited by Koi Carp, and Peacocks can be seen along the garden paths. Additionally, the cherry blossom trees bloom during the spring season.

What is Fukushima Memorial Garden?

The Fukushima Garden, a serene and beautiful Japanese garden in Holland Park, was established to honor those impacted by natural disasters that struck Japan, symbolizing the support following these events. It was established to honor and remember the individuals impacted by the Fukushima disaster in 2011. The garden symbolizes the strength and determination of the Japanese people during challenging times.

https://secretldn.com/kyoto-garden-tranquil-japanese-london/ https://www.historyhit.com/locations/kyoto-garden/ https://www.tripadvisor.com.ph/Attraction_Review-g186338-d7379922-Reviews-Kyoto_Garden-London_England.html https://moovitapp.com/index/en-gb/public_transportation-Kyoto_Garden-London_and_South_East-site_56571533-2122 https://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/locations/kyoto_garden_holland_park_london_england_w8_6lu_united_kingdom_12c5gcpugrg4cjug9j/?country=uk&arriving=202311110730&leaving=202311110930 https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/parks-leisure-and-culture/parks/holland-park https://www.dishoom.com/#welcome

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This Tranquil Japanese Garden Is Perfect For Stressed Out Londoners

The beautiful Kyoto Garden is an oasis of calm in the heart of Kensington's Holland Park - perfect for anyone that needs to relax.

Over in West London, nestled within Holland Park , is a charming, hyper-Instagrammable , oasis of calm. Kyoto Garden is found almost smack in the middle of the park and is equally captivating whether you stumble upon it by accident or journey there with intention.

The addition to Holland Park was originally built, in 1991, to celebrate the upcoming 1992 Japan Festival in London. The park was a gift from the city of Kyoto, honouring the friendship between the countries of Japan and Great Britain.

Holland Park was also graced with a further addition in 2012, with the installation of The Fukushima Garden . The garden was built “to commemorate the heartfelt gratitude of the Japanese people to the British people for their support following the natural disaster that struck Fukushima, Japan on 11 March 2011.”

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Kyoto Garden features

Central to it all is the famous waterfall , which trickles into a pond with koi carp swimming around. But there’s plenty more to see than just the IG-famous water feature, with winding cobbled pathways, traditional Japanese stone lanterns, and more. It’s well worth a wander when you visit – Don’t just take a quick photo and then depart immediately – lest you miss out on some of the park’s hidden beauties.

And with sights like this, who needs a plane ticket to Japan? You’re likely to get so lost in the pretty trees and Japanese features that you’ll forget you’re just a stone’s throw away from High Street Kensington .

Capping off the park’s stunning sights is the park’s roaming muster of peacocks . When you’re mid-snap and one of those colourful creatures wanders into the frame, it truly makes for a magical shot. They’re truly impressive to behold as they make their way around the park.

A little dose of quiet reflection here and you’ll really feel at one with nature as you mingle with the local wildlife in Holland Park. It’s also equally captivating across all of London’s seasons – whether it’s watching the leaves change colour, the cherry blossoms bloom, the boulders and stones capped with snow, or all of it bathing in the warm sunshine. It’s simply beautiful.

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It should be noted that during the warmer weather, the crowds can get a little busy during peak hours. But we reckon the sights and the colours are still worth the queue up to the waterfalls. And as if it wasn’t already impressive enough – it’s also FREE to visit!

Kyoto Garden

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(Photos) Kyoto Garden, Holland Park Review: London’s Secret Japanese Garden

• February 11, 2023 June 14, 2023
• by Elite Travel Blog

Is Kyoto Garden London’s most beautiful garden? I’ll let you decide.

Which is your favourite London park?

The small sized town that is Hyde Park with its geese filled Round Pound ?

Can’t get enough of the stunning and unbeatable viewpoint of the London city skyline from Greenwich Park ?

Or does  London’s newest park, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park  get your vote?

While all of London’s parks are terrific, my favourite is actually inside of a larger park (Inception style).

Okay, it’s a garden, it’s small and there are only a couple of benches, but still, it looks and feels different from anything other in London. It’s one of my favourite hidden gems in London .

Kyoto Garden History And Facts

Kyoto Garden in Holland Park is (as you’ve probably guessed by its name) Japanese inspired. Designed and styled as a tour garden, it was built in 1991 as part of the Japan Festival.

Perfectly manicured, the landscape garden’s waterfall quietly trickling is the only background noise you’ll hear. It’s easy to see why it made my list of most beautiful places in London .

Perfect for getting away from the crowds of tourists congregating in nearby Notting Hill.

The three-step waterfall symbolises mountains and deep gorges while the large pond depicts a vast ocean – a natural landscape in miniature form.

I just love the vibrant colours of the plants and trees which add to this. Traditional Japanese garden elements such as stone lanterns (Toro) and a stone wash basin (Tsukubai) are also present. Learn more about traditional Japanese garden elements and symbolism .

Kyoto Park is so peaceful, animals of all species get along in harmony.

Paper carp windsocks ( Koinobori ) gently swim in the breeze above you, while real koi carp (some are huge!) swim in the pond beneath the bridge near the waterfall.

I can see why this stork and the resident local celebrity Holland Park peacocks have made Kyoto Garden their home. I know I would if I could.

The Famous Holland Park Peacocks

The peacocks are a little camera shy. Or maybe they’re just tired of people taking photos of then when they’re trying to relax in the park too!

They’ll perch themselves in the trees or won’t get up to fan their beautiful tails for you no matter how kindly you ask them. I can’t complain too much, I’m camera shy too.

The peacocks do call out to one another which is sweet I think. I like to think they’re a married couple. Can peacocks get married? Am I thinking the peacock society is way more civilised than it actually is? I bet their laughing, making fun of the tourists.

‘Peter, come look. This Asian guy is wearing red shoes with a red jacket – talk about a fashion faux pas!’. I imagine peacocks to have excellent taste in fashion.

The way they strut and hold themselves make them the catwalkers of the animal world. And yes, I’ve named the male peacock Peter Peacock. His wife is Polly.

Directions to Kyoto Gardens:

Kyoto Garden is closer to the entrance on Holland Park road.

As you exit Holland Park underground station, go across the road at the green man, walk left and take your first right up the hill which winds in an arc.

You’ll see an entrance for Holland Park. Walk up the path where it’ll fork into three paths.

Choose the middle fork and you’ll see Kyoto Garden on the left. Check out the map for other transport options in West Kensington.

Which is your favourite park in London? Where is your secret hideaway in the Big Smoke to get away from it all? Tell me in the comments section below!

What is the history of Kyoto garden London?

Kyoto Garden is a traditional Japanese garden located in Holland Park, London, England. It was created in 1991 to commemorate the Japan Festival, a cultural event that took place in London to celebrate the close relationship between the United Kingdom and Japan.

The Kyoto Garden was designed by Japanese landscape architect Sakuteiki Shigeo and was built using traditional Japanese design principles, including the use of natural materials, water features, and a harmonious balance between the garden and its surroundings. The garden features a central pond, which is surrounded by a variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers, as well as a traditional Japanese tea house, a stone lantern, and a waterfall.

The Kyoto Garden is a popular attraction for visitors to Holland Park, and it provides a peaceful and serene setting for visitors to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. It is also used as a venue for cultural events and activities, including traditional tea ceremonies, and it is a popular location for weddings and other special events.

In addition to its cultural significance, the Kyoto Garden is also valued for its environmental benefits, as it provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including birds and insects, and it helps to improve air quality in the city. The garden is maintained by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and it is open to the public throughout the year.

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A Day Out at Kyoto Gardens London

The Kyoto Garden is a stunning, Japanese garden located in the heart of London’s Holland Park. It’s a fantastic place to enjoy some peace and quiet in an otherwise loud city. Home to woodland trails, manicured gardens, children’s playgrounds, an opera venue, cafes, a Gelateria, an ecological centre, and more, Holland Park is a great day out. My favourite place within Holland Park is the Kyoto Gardens, and if you’re in West London, these are definitely worth a visit.

A Short History of the Kyoto Gardens

The Kyoto Gardens were created in 1991 as a gift from Kyoto to commemorate the long-standing friendship between Japan and Great Britain. The gardens emulate the traditional Japanese landscape, featuring tranquil water features, carefully pruned trees and a variety of beautiful plants. The garden’s centrepiece is a cascading waterfall that flows into a serene pond, inhabited by colourful koi fish, adding to the garden’s enchanting atmosphere.

What to Do in Kyoto Gardens

The main thing to do in the Kyoto Gardens is to walk along the winding path and immerse yourself in the serene, peaceful gardens. The entire area is extremely well manicured and features traditional stone lanterns and a small waterfall. You’re not allowed on the grass, so once you’ve finished walking a lap of the small gardens, you can spend time sitting on one for the garden’ benches.

You’ll also find diverse wildlife to enjoy here. From Peacocks, to Koi Fish, to Herons, this is a great place for wildlife enthusiasts. For the photographers out there, I’d highly recommend coming early in the morning as the park does get quite busy. It’s very small and can be hard to get photos without lots of people around.

Queue Tips and Nearby Facilities

The Kyoto Gardens are a popular destination, especially on weekends and during the warmer months. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Weekdays are generally quieter, making for a more peaceful experience. The Kyoto Gardens are surprisingly small, so if you’re looking to just walk round and take pictures, you can be done in 10 minutes! You are not allowed to stand on the grass here, so there is a path that laps the entire Kyoto Gardens

Holland Park Facilities

• Toilets: Public toilets are available within Holland Park, located near the entrance and in the vicinity of the gardens. These are free of charge!
• Cafés: There are several cafés within Holland Park where you can enjoy a light meal or a cup of coffee. The Holland Park Café, located near the playground, offers a range of snacks and beverages. There’s also a great ice cream place near the cafe too!
• Seating Areas: Numerous benches are scattered throughout the park and the Kyoto Gardens, providing perfect spots to sit and enjoy the surroundings.

Entrance Times and Fees

The Kyoto Gardens are open daily from 7:30 am until 30 minutes before dusk and entry is free!

Explore Holland Park

Once you’ve finished in Kyoto Gardens, be sure to spend time exploring other areas in Holland Park. Holland Park itself is one of London’s most charming green spaces, offering beautiful woodland trails, a large children’s playground, and a stunning orangery. I have added a map of Holland Park (below) so you can plan your time there. There are two children’s parks; one for toddlers and one for older children – I used to LOVE going to the playground here as a kid! There are also a number of woodland trails to enjoy walks and run on. I love coming here to escape the noise of city life.

Holland Park is also home to other pretty, and unique, gardens that are worth checking out. My other favourite one is the Dutch Gardens (pictured below) which has hundreds of colourful flowers when in bloom. Be sure to visit during the spring and summer months to take full advantage of these gardens, when the flowers are out. You’ll find this garden is lined with a number of beaches to sit on and enjoy the surrounding gardens.

Additionally, the park is home to the Holland Park Opera. This has events on throughout the year, with a particular focus on their three-month summer festival. Check out the Holland Park Opera site for what’s on and tickets.

Holland Park’s Surrounding Areas

Just a short walk from the park, you can find the vibrant shopping and dining districts of Kensington High Street and Notting Hill. Kensington High Street offers a mix of high-end boutiques, eateries, popular retail stores and the stunning Kensington Gardens. You’ll also find the Design Museum on Kensington High Street, directly outside Holland Park.

Whilst Notting Hill is famous for its colourful houses, eclectic shops and the renowned Portobello Road Market . Whether you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, a delicious meal, or simply exploring more of London’s charming neighbourhoods, there’s plenty to see and do nearby.

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Kyoto Garden Ticket Price, Hours, Address and Reviews

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Kyoto Garden

• Address: Holland Park, Holland Park Ave, Kensington, London W11 4UA, UK, United Kingdom Map
• Timings: 10:00 am - 06:00 pm Details
• Phone: +44-2073613003

If you are en route the UK, Kyoto Garden is definitely among the top places of visit with its Japanese themed vibrant plants, shrubs, ponds and a waterfall. Located in Holland Park and created by an eminent Japanese designer, this garden in London was originally opened by HRH Prince Charles and His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince of Japan as a part of the Japan Festival celebrations. It was reopened, with a great make-over again, after extensive work carried out by professionally skilled gardeners. Now, you will also see a lot of pigeons, squirrels and peacocks at the Kyoto Garden due to the sublime beauty and roaring tranquility of nature ruling most of the time.

How to Reach Kyoto Garden

• Rented car / Taxi
• Kyoto Garden Address: Holland Park, Holland Park Ave, Kensington, London W11 4UA, UK, United Kingdom
• Kyoto Garden Contact Number: +44-2073613003
• Kyoto Garden Timing: 10:00 am - 06:00 pm
• Try the best online travel planner to plan your travel itinerary!

0.13% of people who visit London include Kyoto Garden in their plan

• 3 PM - 4 PM

46.43% of people start their Kyoto Garden visit around 3 PM - 4 PM

People usually take around 30 Minutes to see Kyoto Garden

90.83% of people prefer to travel by car while visiting Kyoto Garden

People normally club together Queen Of Hoxton and The London Eye while planning their visit to Kyoto Garden.

Kyoto Garden Reviews & Ratings

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• The London Eye
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how much are the tickets for the gardens

Where can i get tickets

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Inside Kyoto

A Kyoto Travel Guide

Kyoto Garden Lover’s Itinerary

Kyoto is the best city in Japan for gardens. You could spend months going from one garden to the next. Here’s a collection of Kyoto’s finest gardens to gladden the heart of the most ardent garden lover.

In this itinerary, we won’t give you specific times or transport details from one place to the next. Rather, we divide the gardens by area, so you can easily build your own itinerary to suit your pace and other interests.

• Northern Higashiyama
• Ginkaku-ji: This spacious stroll garden is a stunner, but you’ll need to show up early on a Monday morning to beat the crowds.
• Honen-in: You can enter this lovely stroll garden for free. This may be my favorite escape in all of Kyoto.

Southeast Kyoto

• Tofuku-ji: The Hojo Garden here is a brilliant karesansui (Zen) garden and it’s almost never crowded.
• Okochi-Sanso Villa: This is the most wonderful stroll garden in the city.
• Gio-ji: Overlooked by almost all tourists, this tiny pocket moss garden is not to be missed.

Hire A Travel Expert To Plan Your Japan Itinerary

Check hotel availability, destination, check-in date, check-out date.

• Northwest Kyoto
• Ryoan-ji: This is the classic karesansui (“Zen rock garden”) It’s almost always crowded, so try to go on a Monday morning.
• Taizo-in: Many garden lovers rate this ornate garden at Myoshin-ji Temple as one of the best in the city.
• Daitoku-ji: This Zen temple complex is a world of beautiful subtemples, each with its own beautiful garden. Koto-in is the most famous here, but try to see as many as you can.
• Central Kyoto
• Kyoto Botanical Gardens: Few tourists visit these expansive and excellent gardens and that’s their loss. If you love gardens, you’ll love the Kyoto Botanical Gardens.

Western Kyoto

• Koke-dera (Saiho-ji or “Moss Temple”): If you really love moss, you’ll probably want to go through the troublesome application procedure to visit this temple. However, keep in mind that there are plenty of other gardens in town with nice moss and no application procedure (see Gio-ji above, for instance).

Kyoto Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
• Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto , Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
• See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
• You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport . You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
• If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
• Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help

Kyoto District Map

• Southern Higashiyama
• Downtown Kyoto
• Kyoto Station Area
• South East Kyoto

Disclosure: InsideKyoto.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and amazon.co.uk. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Textile artist Pauline Caulfield's home and studio is testament to a creative life well lived

Just north of Regent’s Park is a small courtyard of artists’ studios, built in Queen Anne style in the late 19 th century. Previous tenants include the Pre-Raphaelite painter John William Waterhouse and illustrator Arthur Rackham. Miraculously, creative spirit has survived as the dominant force even among today’s occupants, one of whom is the textile artist Pauline Caulfield, whose large, vivid-hued, abstract and illusionistic silk-screen printed works tread a fine line between art and design. Pauline has rented this particular studio, like those other artists before her, for almost fifty years, fifteen of them with her former husband, the Pop Art-associated painter and printmaker Patrick Caulfield. Bright strong colours, clean lines and elliptical shapes distinguish rooms layered with the effects of a fascinating and creative life.

Pauline and Patrick (who died in 2005) married in 1968, the same week Pauline graduated from the Royal College of Art. They arrived here in 1975 with two small children, and a third swiftly followed. The house is uneven, as you might expect from its described function: the kitchen and two upstairs bedrooms - “there was a lot of swapping around and bunk beds” – are modest in comparison to what is referred to as ‘the big room’, which is double-height, with vast windows and access to the garden. A mezzanine bedroom at one end – where Pauline sleeps – tops a sitting room area with sofas arranged around a fireplace. The other, larger half simultaneously performs as dining room , party room, exhibition space and, of course, studio - first to Patrick and, since he left in the late 1980s - to Pauline. This was when she returned to the artistic practise she’d paused while her children were little, initially combining it with a job as a librarian and archivist until, ten years ago – aged 70 or thereabouts – she finally became an artist full-time.

This sofa was acquired from somebody moving out of one of the other studios. Above it are works by Julie Westbury and Patrick Caulfield.

The set up means that there is now little escape from her art; even her bedroom overlooks her printing table. But, ‘living with it helps, I catch glimpses of what I’m doing, ideas form, and I’m drawn back in,’ says Pauline. Whether that’s to the wall hangings-come- curtains that she makes to commission, extraordinary ecclesiastical vestments, or – her latest pieces – wall-mounted, silk-screen printed fans of considerable size, where her mastery of trompe l’oeil is such that you can’t quite believe they’re not real.

An attitude of life/work integration prevails: while two of the studio walls are given over to print screens and shelves of brushes, books , pigments and paints, the third holds a large canvas by John Hoyland. ‘It was John who told us about this house. He was then living in one of the other studios,’ says Pauline. Further works by friends continue around the room: an early Howard Hodgkin - ‘Patrick rescued that – Howard was about to burn it’ - is adjacent to a sculpture by Nicholas Monro. A small painting by Patrick hangs opposite one of his drawings. It was he who designed the white cupboards along the back wall of the studio, found the Art Deco sconces over the fireplace, and chose the red-checked gingham sofas. They’ve recently been recovered but, ‘the fabric is almost identical to the original,’ says Pauline. She tells a faintly alarming story of her children, when little, jumping onto them from her bedroom window. The circular table, that hosts both work and dinners, was Hodgkin’s. Pauline painted the top in, ‘layers and layers of Anthraquinone Blue,’ an acrylic paint , giving it a semi-opaque midnight finish.

At the studio end of the big room the white cupboards were designed by Patrick, the table – which used to belong to Howard Hodgkin – hosts both work and dinners and has been given a new top by Pauline via 'layers and layers of ‘Anthraquinone Blue’ acrylic paint.'

Patrick designed the kitchen, too, though tweaks have been made in the intervening years; most recently, Pauline painted it a Pepto-Bismol pink - Dulux Trade’s ‘Rose Trellis 3’ - carefully circling the fruit bowl mural on the wall. ‘It was started by Patrick after he’d left; I’d bought some tester pots, and I suppose that they were sitting around,’ recounts Pauline. ‘Then our middle son added to it, painting in fruit, and then Patrick did more.’ A copy of Patrick's Red, White and Black Still Life , by a restorer who had previously worked on his paintings hangs above a table painted in marble effect painted, again, by Patrick. ‘It’s not that I’m hanging on to the past,’ says Pauline, ‘but Patrick and I had similar ideas and taste, and I love it.’

There is a valuable lesson in this perspective: when it comes to our homes, there can be comfort and delight in continuity, and we should allow ourselves to lean into it. Change can come in other ways. Via grandchildren for instance, whose presence here is felt through their own artistic contributions. Or by recommitting to passions. Pauline’s success is proof that it is never too late. Alongside is the notable point, for those that marvel at the length of time Pauline has successfully stayed put in rented accommodation, of her position as a pre-1989 ‘regulated tenant’, protected from either eviction or sizeable rent increase. It is a compelling argument for the necessity of reform in this area, particularly if artists and creatives are to continue to live and work in London , as the idealists of the past intended.

www.paulinecaulfield.com

A sculpture by Nicholas Monro stands in front of the Howard Hodgkin that Patrick rescued from being burned (by Howard). The red checked sofas were bought from Kingcombe Sofas in the 1970s; the door leads out to the private garden.

The sitting room end of the big room; Patrick painted the fireplace black, and found the Art Deco sconces. To the left of the fireplace is a portrait of Pauline by one of the junior members of her family. The coffee table is a normal table that Patrick sawed the legs off. On the right of the fireplace, the angel is by Julie Westbury

The light was inherited from Pauline’s aunt.

The large canvas on the wall is by John Hoyland, who told Pauline and Patrick about this house; he was living in one of the other studios at the time.

Pauline unwrapping one of her silk screen wall hangings on her printing table; the blanket stitching is printed on, but looks completely real.

Pauline reviewing print samples.

A collection of screens stored underneath the printing table.

A view through the kitchen window into the courtyard.

One of Patrick’s works is propped on the side.

The kitchen was designed by Patrick and has recently been painted pink by Pauline in Dulux Trade ‘ Rose Trellis 3’ - who framed the mural Patrick painted on the walls with input from their middle son. Pauline has since added to it, by way of a circular card cut out; along with the overhead light, ‘the mirroring of shapes as you come into the room is very pleasing,’ she says. The table was marble-effect painted by Patrick, and the red bentwood chairs were bought from Cherry Monro, the wife of the artist Nicholas Monro whose sculpture is the big room.

A copy of Patrick’s Red, White and Black Still Life , by a restorer who had previously worked on his paintings, in the kitchen.

The staircase up to Pauline’s mezzanine bedroom, with more works by Julie Westbury, and a Papua New Guinean sculpture that Patrick brought back from a trip to Australia with Howard Hodgkin.

Above Pauline’s bed. To the left is a painting that Patrick bought from a student.

Pauline’s mezzanine bedroom is above the sitting room and looks down over her studio. Pauline’s children used to jump from the mezzanine onto the sofas below. The paper lanterns were put up for an exhibition of her work that she staged there.

The pinboard next to Pauline’s desk in her bedroom is hung with drawings by her grandchildren.

the chest of drawers was inherited, and sculpture is of her eldest son, Luke, done by Livia Rolandini, who was at the Royal College of Art at the same time as Patrick. Behind it are various drawings; one is by Patrick, another is by Pauline’s father, who was an architect.