Trust wants to capture people’s memories of Chiswick House and Gardens

Chiswick House and Gardens Trust Oral History Volunteers have begun a fascinating project to capture people’s memories of Chiswick House and Gardens.

What do you remember about Chiswick House and Gardens forty, fifty or even sixty years ago? Did you play in the Gardens as a child? Do you remember special events or people you met there? Do you recall the 18th Century wings on the House being demolished? If so, would you be happy to talk about your recollections and let Chiswick House Trust record them?

Chiswick House and Gardens Trust is building up an archive of documents, recordings and photographs covering the entire history of Chiswick House & Gardens. This project has been ongoing for the last four years, funded by the Friends of Chiswick House. Now thanks to the Friends the Trust has been able to purchase recording equipment to expand the archive.

One of the periods for which there is very little information is from 1930 to 1970. To fill this gap they would like to interview people who remember the estate during that time and who would be prepared to share their memories, and possibly their photographs. The recordings of the interviews will be stored in the archive, and extracts may be used from time to time for exhibitions or publications.

"We are already in touch with several people, one of whom remembers Queen Mary’s visits to the gardens and I am sure there is a gold mine of information out there," Trust Director Sarah Finch-Crisp told ChiswickW4.com. "I wonder if anyone remembers seeing the Beatles being photographed here?"

If you would like to take part (or would like to know more) please contact Chiswick House & Gardens Estate Office via email: archive@chgt.org.uk or by telephone: 020 8742 3905.

July 8, 2010