‘Sir Sydney Waterlow should be better known’, says descendant of Highgate philanthropist

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 (Image: ¬© Nigel Sutton email pictures@nigelsuttonphotography.com)

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.

“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.”

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.