The Woodland and Garden
Orleans House gallery sits in a small patch of green space just off Twickenham Riverside. Visitors can enjoy quiet contemplation or a muddy walk with friends whilst exploring the flora and fauna of the richly diverse woodland, or rest on the lawns after exploring the Gallery.
The grounds are accessible seven days a week and can be explored independently or as part of a visit to the Gallery or Stables Cafe. Throughout the year we also run woodland activities as part of our Cultural Reforesting programme.
Find out more about the ecosystem, history of the grounds and our Cultural Reforesting programme below.
The Ecosystem Plan
The woodland is relatively recent, growing up after the majority of Orleans House was demolished in 1926. A recent habitat survey records it is now home to a diverse ecology, including surviving veteran trees, three notable plants for London, bats and breeding birds.
The Ecosystem Plan will be delivered by the Arts Service and Parks Service and offers a major opportunity to develop a creative programme and education work linked to arts and the natural environment.
Find out more about the plan by clicking the buttons below.
History of the Grounds
Within sight of the Thames, Orleans House Gallery and its Woodland Gardens sit amongst the remnants of a grand house and grounds on Twickenham Riverside.
Construction of Orleans House began in 1710, and the Baroque Octagon Room was added in 1720. In the grounds a large kitchen garden and orchard fed the residents, a boathouse approached through a tunnel in the woodland provided access to the river and parties livened up the lawns. Then the house declined and was demolished in the early 20th century, only the stables and the Octagon room remained. The site was turned over to gravel extraction, this was superseded by the woodlands, which now provide a haven for wildlife.
Find out more about the History of the Grounds by clicking the button below.
Cultural Reforesting
We at Orleans House Gallery are supporting artists wishing to explore local solutions to the climate crisis, and feel that the Gallery, with its vibrant grounds and creative setting can be a place where all can come to collaborate, find a community and make a difference, no matter how personal or small.
Each artist project responds to the question – how can we renew our relationship with nature?
Click the button below to find out more about Cultural Reforesting.
Image credit: Artists in Orleans House Gallery grounds, May 2021. Credit Cristina Schek. R-L, Vicky Long, Eloise Moody, Bryony Ella, Dan Harvey, Heather Ackroyd and Nestor Pestana
