Christopher Dean, 1985
Cement
In this sculpture, Dean aimed to reflect the various activities of the Wych Elm Community Centre for which it was created.
The most distinctive aspect of Harlow’s plan are its ‘green wedges’ or ‘fingers’. These landscapes are a constant reminder of the area’s rural origins and are laced by an extensive cycle track network, often adopting the single track roads linking historic hamlets such as Tye Green, Hare Street and Little Parndon.
At the northern end of the main shopping street of Broadwalk sits Market Square. Though much in the town centre is changed, the square is still framed by the iconic blue and white clock of Adams House (its ground floor columns lost behind new shopfronts), the projecting balconies of Market House and the two storey shopping street of The Rows.
Harlow Playhouse Theatre contained the original public art gallery in the town and in the 1970s featured high profile exhibitions by artists such as Henry Moore and Bridget Riley. The building has long displayed sculpture in its foyers.
Harlow Town Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country. It was designed by Dame Sylvia Crowe who worked closely with Frederick Gibberd and his team on much of the landscape design of Harlow. Some of the parks hilly features were formed from spoil from the building of the town. The park extends beyond the railway to the River Stort and includes a petting zoo, open air stage and skate park.
Experience Henry Moore’s iconic work in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside with a visit to the artist’s former home, studios and sculpture gardens at the Henry Moore Foundation. To coordinate your visit click here.
The Lawn was the first residential ‘point block’ in the UK and is Grade II listed. It was designed by Frederick Gibberd and featured in the Festival of Britain of 1951 as an example of the new apartment living. Its soft trapezoidal form and use of brick borrows from Scandinavian architecture of the time.
Mark Hall North was the first neighbourhood of the new town to be realised and is centred on a ‘hatch’ containing a primary school, pub and parade of shops. The housing design of Tanys Dell and the Chantry is by Jane Drew and Maxwell Fry. Henry Moore’s Harlow Family Group was first sited on the landscape of Mark Hall Park just north of St Mary at Latton church. The landscape and buildings of Mark Hall North are protected as a conservation area.
The Water Gardens were designed by Frederick Gibberd and Gerry Perrin of the Harlow Development Corporation and first opened in 1963. The gardens’ three parallel terraces incorporating canals, fountains and ponds have earned it a Grade II listing on English Heritage’s Register of Parks and Gardens. On the middle terrace, note the blue plaque dedicated to Gibberd by Harlow Civic Society.
The Gibberd Gallery is a visual arts space run by Harlow Art Trust and home to the Sir Frederick Gibberd Watercolour Collection. The gallery is housed within the Civic Centre on a mezzanine level overlooking Henry Moore’s Harlow Family Group. Click here for current opening hours.
Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens are situated in the stables and gardens of Mark Hall Manor, a site that has been a part of the local landscape since the 17th century. The museum and gardens are home to a number of sculptures in the collection and the museum itself tells the story of Harlow from Roman origins to the new town. For opening times visit here.
Harlow Town train station was grade II listed in 1995, preventing its demolition. A bold design of station which suspends the waiting room over the tracks on three lift towers. It was designed by John Bicknell and Paul Hamilton whilst working for British Railways Eastern Division and built in 1959-60.
Newhall Be is a housing estate designed by Alison Brooks architects that was shortlisted for the 2013 RIBA Stirling Prize. The black weatherboarding was designed to give the houses a distinct local identity, echoing barns native to the Essex countryside.
Parndon Mill is a former flour mill turned workspace for artists, craftspeople and designers on the banks of the River Stort. The Gallery on the ground floor of the mill presents a series of exhibitions of fine art and crafts and the Project Space hosts classes, workshops and events. Tuition in various creative practices is also offered in the studios for individuals or small groups. Visit www.parndonmill.co.uk for details.
The Stow opened in 1952 and was the first of the New Towns’ three Neighbourhood Centres. Originally served by a central road it became the first pedestrianised precinct in the UK. It was deliberately designed to be mixed use and ‘urban’, with a shopping parade at ground level and flats above, a pub named after a butterfly (as is customary in Harlow), a community hall and theatre and health centre.
Note the Grade II listed terraced houses of Orchard Croft. Orchard Croft was designed by Frederick Gibberd in 1951. The classically inspired crescent marks the transition from the urban density of The Stow to the village green character of the cricket field.
Take a look around the Bishopsfield Estate. Known locally as ‘the Kasbah’ the estate is credited as influencing many later generations of architects and town planners. The bold design was an attempt to import a Mediterranean atmosphere in the estate, with narrow lanes and privacy for residents. It was designed by Michael Neylan, then aged 26 and working for Chamberlin Powell & Bon.
The Gibberd Garden is the Grade II listed garden and home created by Sir Frederick Gibberd, Master Planner of Harlow New Town and leading post-war architect. It was his home between 1957 and his death in 1984. The house and garden are home to a remarkable collection of sculptures, ceramics and items of architectural salvage. Visit here for details.
Our Lady of Fatima, Harlow, is a Grade II listed Roman Catholic Church designed by Gerard Goalen in 1953-4. A model of the church was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1956 and the church was extremely influential.
St Paul’s Church is Harlow’s ‘mother church’. It was designed by Humphreys and Hurst from 1957-59 and Grade II listed in 2007. As well as containing a remarkably intact interior it is home to a spectacular mural by the artist John Piper.