List of sites constructed in London and the Home Counties by James Pulham and Son, as discussed in Claude Hitching's book on their lives and work.

HTML> List of sites constructed in London and the Home Counties by James Pulham and Son, as discussed in Claude Hitching's book on their lives and work.

Home

History

Portfolio

Cuttings

Links

Contact

Where?	E. Anglia	Europe	Ireland	Midlands
North	Scotland	South	Wales	West

1904	LONDON - Central, Buckingham Palace There is some Pulhamite rockwork on 'The Mound' and around the lake in Buckingham Palace Gardens, although this area is not normally open for public access.
1905-13	LONDON - Central, Regents Park Zoo Pulhamite rock features were built in the Sea Lion Pool, Monkey Enclosure and Polar Bear Enclosure, but were later removed during further alterations.
1905-13	LONDON - Central, St James's Park James Pulham and Son were invited to construct ‘Rockwork to the lake edge, and Cormorant and Pelican islands’ to provide perches for the exotic birds that inhabited the park. These can be seen from the footpath on the side of Birdcage Walk, and there is also a small rocky pool along the inner bank of the island that is not visible from the pathway around the edge of the lake.
1874	LONDON - Hounslow, Gunnersbury Park On the boundaries of Hounslow and Ealing, in south west London, lies Gunnersbury Park. The Potomac lake, on the edge of which lies the boathouse and rockwork constructed by Pulhams, is in one corner, and is privately owned, so access is not generally available to the public. There are some other odd remnants of Pulhams' work around the park, however.
1867-78	LONDON - Kensington, V & A Museum Pulhams were responsible for the Colonnade along the ‘first floor’ of what is now the Henry Cole Building in Exhibition Road. This runs along the side of the Museum, but don’t keep your eyes on the pavement, or you might miss this lovely example of their work.
1871	LONDON - New Barnet, Highland Gardens A small but attractive example of Pulham's work, namely an archway near a rocky bank, tucked well away from he road. Still worth checking out, if you are in the vicinity.
1873-74	LONDON - Streatham, Park Hill Ruined Tower folly; rocky ravine walkway, with grottoes and bridge over, all in good condition. This is in the grounds of a private residential development, but is open two days per year for public access.
1866-70	LONDON - Wandsworth, Battersea Park Battersea Park is open to the public, and Pulham's rockwork and cliffs can be found on the far side of the lake from the tea rooms. Don't get too excited, though - it suffered from some terrible 'restoration' work during the 1980s, and English Heritage vowed that work like this should never be allowed to happen again!
1876	BEDFORDSHIRE - Old Warden, Swiss Garden The Swiss Garden at Old Warden is an outstanding example of the Swiss picturesque, with the thatched Swiss Cottage providing the main focal point. The entrance tunnels to the Fernery are lined with Pulhamite tufa work - complete with stalactites - and there is also some Pulham rockwork around the ponds and the Punt Harbour. Open throughout the year, apart from Christmas week. Telephone 01767 627666 (Garden Office), or 01767 626236 (Manager's Office) for details, or visit www.bedfordshire.gov.uk - click on 'Leisure & Tourism,' select 'The Swiss Garden' from right-hand panel - or www.shuttleworth.org for more information.
1896	BERKSHIRE - Ascot, Sunningdale Park James Pulham enlarged the lake at Sunningdale Park, and added a grotto and cascade from a higher pool. He also constructed another grotto, and surrounding rockwork, in the 'top garden' below the house, and linked the two sections. Sunningdale is a Government-owned establishment, and only occasionally open to the public via the National Gardens Scheme.
1891	BERKSHIRE - Reading, 'The Acacias' There is one of the best surviving examples of a Pulham fernery at 'The Acacias,' but this is part of Reading University, and not open to the public.
1879-85	BERKSHIRE - Wokingham, Bearwood College As an educational establishment, Bearwood College is not normally open to the public. There are, however, normally two 'Open Garden' days in the early summer, usually organised through the Yellow Book Scheme and through the Red Cross. There is a fairly small, but nevertheless quite striking, example of Pulham's work, constructed in what was originally an unsightly clay pit near the main house.'
1881-92	BUCKINGHAMSHIRE - Aylesbury, Waddesdon Manor Some of the rockwork around Waddesdon Park is among the best work that Pulhams ever did, and are truly on a massive scale. Most of it is not accessible to visitors, however, although a visit to view the mansion and surrounding gardens is well worthwhile. Telephone 01296 653226 for Opening Times and prices, or visit www.waddesdon.org.uk for details.

One of the grottoes that line the entrance drive to Waddesdon Manor

1859-62

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE - Taplow, Berry Hill
Most of Pulham’s work in these gardens has now deteriorated beyond recognition, but there are the remains of a large sunken fernery with a central fountain. This is private property, with no access to the public.