The Horniman Museum, London

The Horniman Museum is a much loved and respected museum and garden valued by its local community and of international importance as a collection. It was the vision of its founder Frederic Horniman in the 19th century. A Philanthropist and collector who made his fortune importing Tea. His interest were diverse including musical instruments, costumes, masks and natural history- collected and bought from all over the world. The idea was to give free access to both the collection and garden for learning but also simple enjoyment and relaxation. Having been in separate management the gardens were taken in hand some ten years ago and has an in house team of gardeners.

Dominic worked with the Museum and Garden team to develop a bid for funds from Heritage Lottery Fund. The aim was to strengthen the connection between the Museum building and its collection and the gardens. Dominic proposed that part of the gardens become a ‘living collection’ representing the plant stuffs that were used in objects in the collection- fibres, dyes, musical instruments etc. Related to this is the world Food garden showing the building blocks of food from around the world- pulses, grains, roots, herbs etc.- creating a garden to which the diverse local community will relate.

The site is on a hill with magnificent panoramic views across London- viewed from the Bandstand Terrace. The Bandstand has been restored and a new education building with much needed covered space for school parties and local community use. There is a bespoke music play area- relating to the instrument collection and we have revitalised the tired animal enclosure, making a walk through path with plots where animals such as guinea pigs, goats, rabbits can be seen close up.