Tate Britain has presented initial design concepts for a significant redevelopment of its external environment: the new Clore Garden. The project, a collaboration between Tom Stuart-Smith Studio for landscape architecture and Feilden Fowles for architectural elements, aims to create a dynamic and welcoming green space. These preliminary designs have emerged from a period of public consultation hosted at the gallery.
The initiative, undertaken in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and supported by substantial funding from the Clore Duffield Foundation, is set to redefine the landscape fronting Tate Britain. The ambition is to provide an aesthetically pleasing and accessible new public area for both gallery visitors and the local community. Central to the design philosophy is the interplay of nature, art, and community engagement. The envisioned garden will be a multifaceted environment, thoughtfully conceived to harmonize with and augment the gallery’s prominent neo-classical facade, while also being resilient to the United Kingdom’s evolving climate.
The proposed Clore Garden is characterized by an organic layout, featuring richly planted areas interconnected by a network of universally accessible pathways. The plans also incorporate a redesigned café terrace and a distinct, freestanding classroom structure. Furthermore, the garden will accommodate outdoor programming, lectures, and various activities. A key feature will be the integration of sculptures by renowned British artists from Tate’s collection, strategically placed throughout the landscape to foster a dialogue between art and horticulture. Ample seating is woven into the design, offering spaces for quiet contemplation and relaxation, alongside an interactive water installation and a circular bench arrangement intended to encourage social interaction and informal play.
Sustainability forms a core principle of the redevelopment. The fluid design of the new Clore Garden is intended to significantly boost the biodiversity of the Millbank area. This will be achieved through the introduction of extensive herbaceous planting, a variety of flowers, and additional trees, complemented by a wildlife pond. Drawing upon the expertise of the RHS, particularly its research in plant science, advisory services, and community outreach, Stuart-Smith will curate a diverse selection of plant species. This selection aims to provide visual interest throughout the year, from the magnolias and blossoms of spring to the structural beauty of seed heads and evergreen foliage in winter. The commitment to sustainability extends to material choices, with recycled and sustainable materials specified for use throughout the garden, including pathways constructed from reclaimed materials found on site.
A notable addition will be a new single-storey, lightweight garden classroom designed by Feilden Fowles. This structure is conceived as a versatile, sheltered area for educational activities, with direct access to the garden. It will host regular workshops for school groups and adult learners, focusing on exploring the connections between art and nature, thereby aiming to stimulate creativity and collaborative learning.
The selection of Tom Stuart-Smith Studio and Feilden Fowles for this significant commission occurred at the beginning of 2024, following a competitive open call process.
