The Ever After Garden lights up Grosvenor Square for cancer charity

A remembrance garden filled with over 20,000 illuminated white roses has opened to the public recently.

The Ever After Garden in Grosvenor Square in Mayfair, London, is a moving place to pause and reflect during the festive period. Visitors are invited to dedicate a rose in memory of a loved one, whilst making a donation to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, which exists solely to support The Royal Marsden, a world-leading cancer centre.

The launch of the garden was attended by TV presenter Claudia Winkleman, who cut the ribbon to officially open the garden for visitors.

The stunning installation will be open daily until Tuesday 20 December from 3pm-9pm, and entry to the garden is free.

The Ever After Garden was first created in 2019, inspired in memory of the late production designer and art director Michael Howells, whose work included the film Ever After and ITV’s Victoria. His friends, fashion creatives Anya Hindmarch CBE and Camilla Morton, created the Ever After Garden to find a welcoming and inclusive way to pay tribute to all those we have lost. The success was immediate, and the idea resonated with thousands who came to visit and has raised over £250,000 to date.

Antonia Dalmahoy, Managing Director of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, said:

“I am so pleased that the Ever After Garden has returned to Grosvenor Square. This time of year can be difficult for many, so we hope the Ever After Garden is somewhere people can come together to remember lost loved ones, as well as a space where they can feel a sense of hope and community. The dedications made by the public will help support The Royal Marsden’s work, which improves the lives of cancer patients worldwide. I’d like to thank Anya Hindmarch, Camilla Morton, Grosvenor UK Property and all those who have so generously supported the creation of this beautiful space.”

Anya Hindmarch, CBE, designer and Trustee of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, said: 

“It is very moving to see streams of people wanting to dedicate a rose and to see how the Ever After Garden has become a balm for visitors to come and remember someone they have lost. I am very proud of how the garden has resonated with so many but also raises money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, who work so hard to save and improve the lives of cancer patients through funding world-leading care and research at The Royal Marsden.” 

Camilla Morton, writer and fashion creative, said:

“It is wonderful to see the Ever After Garden return. 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 am so proud of how it’s 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. Every rose is inspiring for the love and hope that all this awareness and donations can give to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. This garden is a beautiful way to remember everyone at the time of year when we all want to be together.”

Dedications are available for a suggested (minimum) donation of £10 per rose. For more information about the Ever After Garden or to dedicate a rose online, please visit:  www.royalmarsden.org/ever-after-garden.

Please tag images and follow the garden on Instagram: @royalmarsden @everaftergarden #EverAfterGarden22.