The Water Gardens, designed by Gibberd with Gerry Perrin of Harlow Development Corporation Architect’s Department in 1958/59, were recently added to the Statutory List at Grade II. They are also on English Heritage’s Register of Parks and Gardens at Grade II*.

The story behind the creation of the gardens is one that brings together Frederick Gibberd’s interest in landscape architecture and his ideas about the importance of the contribution of high quality sculpture to the special nature of spaces. Gibberd began planning Harlow in 1946, acting as masterplanner as well as the architect of many individual buildings. He was unusual for having planning as well as architectural qualifications, in addition to a thorough understanding of landscape architecture.

The importance of public art to Gibberd’s ideas for the town was developed with the help of the Harlow Arts Trust, founded in 1953. The inclusion of sculpture was felt to be especially relevant in places were people meet, such as the Water Gardens.

More information here.