Restoring Chelsea Physic Garden’s historic glasshouses
After a century of constant use, the iconic Glasshouses at Chelsea Physic Garden needed restoration. In 2019, the Garden embarked on a major capital project to repair them, as well as to improve life under glass for our plants and enhance the visitor experience. The restored Glasshouses reopened in 2023, coinciding with the 350th anniversary of Chelsea Physic Garden.
The project
In 2019, with the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund we brought together a team of heritage conservation experts to develop the plans to restore our heritage, cultivate and share new stories, and protect our plants.
After securing initial funding, we launched a £1m public capital appeal called the Hothouse Challenge, with the support of the John Browne Charitable Trust. We were also awarded further funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as receiving donations and grants from generous individuals, trusts and foundations totalling £3.2m.
The restoration work commenced in April 2021, along with the development of new interpretation, activities, and volunteering opportunities. The construction work began in Spring 2022, after the detailed plans were finalised and temporary housing for our plant collections was arranged. The Glasshouses reopened in September 2023.
To repair the Glasshouse, with a conservation approach. An enduring part of London’s heritage, the glasshouses contribute to the special atmosphere of the Garden as a ‘living museum’.
To share the importance of plants and bring new stories to life. To see the Glasshouses become living laboratories, with new interpretation and activities for all ages.
To support plant health and improve visitor access, through new climate controls and accessible pathways.
The Hothouse Challenge
The Hothouse Challenge was launched in October 2020 and ran until 31st March 2021 to raise the remaining £1m needed to commence the Glasshouse Restoration project. Thanks to the support of the John Browne Charitable Trust, who matched all donations of £100 or above, and over 600 generous donors we exceeded our target and raised in excess of £1,028,000.
The John Browne Charitable Trust was established 20 years ago by Chelsea resident Lord John Browne of Madingley to support causes associated with his life as an engineer, businessman, patron of the arts, and son of a holocaust survivor. Chelsea Physic Garden is extremely grateful to the John Browne Charitable Trust for their support.
With thanks to
Chelsea Physic Garden would like to thank all of its supporters, including the trusts and foundations who awarded us major grants:
The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and all the National Lottery players
John Browne Charitable Trust
Band Trust
Garfield Weston Foundation
Olwen McPherson Trust
John Armitage Charitable Trust
J Paul Getty Jnr Trust
John Swire 1989 Charitable Trust
Peter Stormonth Darling Charitable Trust
Headley Trust
Hobson Charity
Calleva Foundation
Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London
And the many individuals who donated as part of the Hothouse Challenge.
