Harlow was founded as a New Town in west Essex in 1947, being built up around the original village. It was the location of Britain’s first pedestrian precinct and currently has a population of around 93,000 people. It is well-known for its sculptures, of which there are over 100, some of which are by some very famous artists. It was also the birthplace of fibre optic communications. The Waterstones is located in a modern unit in the Water Gardens Shopping Precinct.
The Water Gardens
The Water Gardens were created between 1958 and 1963 by Sir Frederick Gibberd and Gerry Perrin. They are Grade II listed, and Historic England describes them as “a series of concrete-lined pools set behind brick and mosaic-clad terraces, with stone steps and pool surrounds.”
Some of the sculptures in the town
Wild Boar by Elisabeth Frinks. Originally concrete, it was recast in bronze after being vandalised. I really liked this sculpture. Upright Motive No.2 (1955) by Henry Moore – a bronze cast of Moore’s original sculpture. Eve by Auguste Rodin – this sculpture depicts Eve’s shame after eating the apple in the Garden of Eden. Bird by Hebe Comerford, a representation of freedom and movement.
Currently reading: The Square of Sevens by Laura Shepherd-Robinson and Every Christmas Eve by Emma Heatherington
Janet's Adventures in Waterstones 