‘Sir Sydney Waterlow should be better known’, says descendant of Highgate philanthropist
Sir Sydney Waterlow - Credit: Archant
A descendent of a Highgate philanthropist who gave away most of his estate to the people of London has welcomed plans to mark a landmark anniversary.
Chris Waterlow, a descendant of Sir Sydney Waterlow, who donated Waterlow Park and Lauderdale House into public benefit was at Lauderdale House on Sunday to chat to the public and sign his book about the Waterlow family, ÄòThe House of Waterlow Äì A PrinterÄôs Tale.Äô. Chris pictured by the statue of Sir Sidney Waterlow in the park - Credit: Nigel Sutton
Sir Christopher Waterlow said his great-great-great-great grandfather, Sir Sydney Waterlow, is not as well known as he should be.
Sir Sydney donated Waterlow Park to the public as a “garden for the gardenless”, and it opened in 1891.
The 125th anniversary is being marked this year, and Sir Christopher yesterday launched a programme of summer talks for primary school pupils.
He told the Ham&High: “It’s wonderful that it’s being celebrated, it’s only in the last 10 years that I’ve come to appreciate what kind of a man Sydney was.
You may also want to watch:
“He was an amazing philanthropist.
“I think that people who know his work appreciate everything he did, but I don’t think he’s been publicised enough.”
Most Read
- 1 Teenager dies after stabbing in Archway
- 2 Ole & Steen bakery set to open in Hampstead's former Café Rouge
- 3 Man detained after series of attacks on women in Hampstead
- 4 Royal Free calls in the army as 'unprecedented' demand continues
- 5 The snow is beautiful and fun - but during Covid we must stick to the rules
- 6 Pictures: Fun for families as the snow arrives on Hampstead Heath
- 7 Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta expecting another tough game against Southampton
- 8 South Hampstead neighbours mourn tree felled by Storm Christoph
- 9 Crouch End's 'Paul the Paper' bids farewell to Broadway stall
- 10 Women attacked by wrench-wielding man in Hampstead
He said he is delighted to see the tireless work of volunteers to maintain the park, and also the current refurbishment at Lauderdale House, in the park’s grounds.
He said: “It’s wonderful, I think Sydney would have been proud of what’s happening there today.”
Events are being held over the summer to mark the anniversary, including a performance by Japanese pianist Masayuki Tayama on June 26, and a traditional village fete on September 17, similar to the park’s opening event in 1891.
