Postman’s Park has always intrigued me. In the past, I would occasionally stumble upon this wonderful space while walking through the City of London. However, it was always by chance, and I could never locate it again. Its exact location—and even its name—remained a mystery.
So, I was delighted earlier this year when a client asked me to paint Postman’s Park, only to realize it was the very park I had been unable to find before.
Why is it called Postman’s Park?
The answer is quite straightforward: it was built near the General Post Office and became a popular lunchtime spot for postmen. These days, it seems to be a haven for stressed City workers and recovering patients from St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, located just across the street.
Before this, it served as a graveyard for several local churches, some designed by Sir Christopher Wren. The church visible here is St. Botolph’s Aldersgate. Over time, the graveyard became overcrowded—so much so that the ground has risen 1.8 meters to accommodate the many bodies buried there.
Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice (The Watts Memorial)
At one end of the park is a fascinating memorial. A Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice honours ordinary people who died saving others. Proposed by artist G.F. Watts in 1887 for Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, it was delayed until 1898 when Henry Gamble, vicar of St Botolph’s Aldersgate, supported it to boost the park’s profile. There are 24 tablets (though room for many more) each commemorating a single act of heroism that ended in the sad death of the hero.
It’s a fascinating and very moving read. A few examples are:
Thomas Griffin
Fitters Labourer
April 12, 1899
In a boiler explosion at a Battersea sugar refinery was fatally scalded in returning to search for his mate.
Almost all are from the 19th century, but this more recent one reads:
Leigh Pitt
Reprographic operator
Aged 30, saved a drowning boy from the canal at Thamesmead, but sadly was unable to save himself
June 7, 2007
Painting Postman’s Park
On arrival at the park I decided to work-up a couple of ideas. I was keen on two views, so I thought I would sketch both. The first being the fountain at one entrance and the second being what was once, quite possibly, another fountain, although it’s no longer in use.
It was a nice afternoon for a spot of drawing and, inbetween each, I had a bit of a picnic – this kind of thing, just kind of doing what I want, is one of the best bits of my job!
Once done, I presented the drawings to the client, and he felt that the one showing St Botolph’s would be the one for him.
The final painting was worked up in my studio with the aid of drawings and a few reference photographs.
Ever since then, if I am working in The City, I try to grab a few moments and take a break in Postman’s Park. It’s always splendid, no matter the weather.
3 comments:
Love this. I work in an office just down the road from this park and often pop over for a lunchtime de-stress when the weather’s right. Nice that it’s getting some love!
I worked in the City for many years and Postman’s Park was one of my great favourite sandwich eating spots. I’d read so many of the plaques but didn’t then own a mobile phone. I’d love to go again & take photos. Hopefully next year, I’ll be able to walk again.
Love your work! I do hope you follow Jack Chester @livinglondonhistory on IG.?If not he uncovers the background to unusual names streets and lost places of interest. You would compliment each other!