Statue of Fanny Wilkinson Unveiled in Coronation Gardens
First professional female landscape designer helped lay out the park
The statue of Fanny Wilkinson in Coronation Gardens. Picture: Wandsworth Council
July 7, 2025
The woman responsible for the design and layout of Coronation Gardens in Southfields has had a statue unveiled in her honour.
The figure of pioneering landscape designer Fanny Wilkinson has been installed on a historic 1904 water fountain which had been long-dormant before recently being restored as a centrepiece for the gardens.
A figurine above the bowl formed part of the original design and can be seen in photos from the early 1900s. It is this lost figure that Gillian Brett’s design aims to replace.
Fanny Wilkinson, was the first professional female landscape designer in Britain and was responsible for the design and layout of more than 75 public gardens across London, including Coronation Gardens.
The statue was chosen through a design competition in partnership with the Putney School of Art and Design and has been professionally created following a community-led project with the Friends of Coronation Gardens, Enable and Wandsworth Council.
YouTube video of the unveiling.
Charles Runcie, chair of the Friends of Coronation Gardens, said, “We’re thrilled we now have a centrepiece for the fountain, to complete its restoration. Who better for it to be than an image of Fanny Wilkinson, the ground-breaking garden designer, who laid out Coronation Gardens over a century ago and whose legacy we honour.”
Gillian Brett, artist and sculptor, said: “My figure is holding out a small plant, not only commemorating Fanny Wilkinson’s devotion to planning gardens, but also to symbolise the growing shoots of creativity. The repeating motif of olive branches around the bottom of her skirt, is a nod to the Friends of Coronation Gardens’ logo.”
Gillian Brett, the sculptor, working on the statue. Picture: Wandsworth Council
Paul White, Cabinet Member for Environment, said, “By maintaining the heritage of this garden, we honour its past while making thoughtful improvements that allow it to serve the needs of today’s visitors. The statue is a wonderful addition to Coronation Gardens and a fitting tribute to Fanny Wilkinson’s legacy. This has been a fantastic community effort, and I want to congratulate Gillian on her beautiful design.
“The investment doesn’t stop here, we’re committed to continually improving and enhancing all of our parks across the borough, as we know our residents value meaningful, peaceful green spaces.”
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