One of the most touching and heartwarming sights in London has just returned. Grosvenor Square has once again been transformed into the Ever After Garden. A sea of tens of thousands of illuminated white roses has taken over the space. It’s a truly enchanting sight.
The Ever After Garden returned to Mayfair on November 16. Visitors are able to dedicate pre-planted roses to loved ones they have lost – and the cost of each rose helps to raise funds for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Anya Hindmarch and Camilla Morton designed The Ever After Garden in memory of their friend and Production Designer Michael Howells. It first appeared in 2019 as a stunning and peaceful way to commemorate the people we have lost. Following an absence in 2020, it has since returned every winter. In just four years, The Ever After Garden has raised over £450,000 for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. 2022 was particularly successful, with over £200,000 raised in that year alone.
Said Anya Hindmarch CBE, designer and Trustee of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity:
“The Ever After Garden is a truly special and poignant place to visit, providing a space in which people can come together and remember someone they have lost. The garden means a great deal to so many and has raised an incredible sum for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, which supports cancer patients not only at The Royal Marsden but around the world.”
The installation has been developed by Culture Creative, the same award-winning design team behind Christmas at Kew Gardens.
Seeing The Ever After Garden
This year’s Ever After Garden has opened slightly earlier than previous years. This allows well-wishers and visitors even more time to enjoy the beautiful and tranquil surroundings. The garden is open each day from 3PM – 9PM until December 19.
Entrance to the garden is free for all. Anyone can contribute to the installation by adding a personal dedication to one of the illuminated, white silk roses in honour of a loved one, for which there is a suggested donation of £10. Visitors can write dedications in person, or submit them online.
Fran Whitfield, who has been treated at The Royal Marsden since 2020 after being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, visited the Ever After Garden last year. She said:
“It really is a breath-taking sight when you look out over the sea of white roses that light up in the square. I dedicated roses to two people – Hatti and Rob – who were beacons of light in mine and many others lives, who are greatly missed every day.”
Find the installation from November 16 – December 19, at Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, W1K 2HP. The nearest station is Bond Street.
The Ever After Garden is open from 3pm – 9pm.
Also published on Medium.
