If you’re walking through Mayfair this month, it’s worth taking a turn around Grosvenor Square, which has been filled to the brim with 27,000 glowing white roses.
The installation, developed by accessories designer Anya Hindmarch and fashion writer Camilla Morton, is back in Grosvenor Square for the fourth year and open to the public from 3pm to 9pm from November 16 to December 19 - it's free to enter.
But it’s more than just your average flower show: the Ever After garden was designed in memory of those who have lost their lives to cancer, inspired by Hindmarch and Morton’s own close friend, Michael Howells.
Michael Howells was a legendary production designer and creative director who worked on Nanny McPhee, Ever After and ITV’s Victoria. In his obituary for Vogue, costume designer Sandy Powell said, “There are not enough adjectives to describe Michael.”
After Michael’s death, Hindmarch and Morton got to thinking about how best to pay tribute to their beloved friend, and to everyone else who has lost the battle against a disease that has claimed so many.
“The Ever After Garden was born out of the need to pay tribute to loved ones that we have lost,” Hindmarch told the Evening Standard. “It’s named after the film for which [Howells] designed the sets.”
The garden is for everyone, though. Visitors are able to dedicate one of the 27,000 roses on show to a loved one that is no longer with them.
“We hope this garden will be personal to everyone,” Hindmarch explained of the project. “For me, it is also in memory of my dear Aunt Elizabeth Hindmarch. My wish is for this to be a place to reflect at in amongst all the festive cheer, and in doing so raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.”
The Royal Marsden Charity exists solely to support The Royal Marsden, a world-leading cancer centre based in Kensington and Chelsea.
Camilla Morton, who is known for her bestselling book How To Walk In High Heels as well as her extensive fashion journalism credits, previously shared why the Ever After garden is more important in these winter months than ever, “It’s beautiful way to remember everyone at the time of year when we all want to be together [...] I wanted a way to remember Michael, someone I consider unforgettable, and realised many people miss someone special so this is something we can share.
“I’m so proud of how its blossomed into such a special community. It is a privilege to see the dedications grow. Every rose seems more alight when a memory or message is attached.”
