Press Release
Kew's historic Orangery restored
For release Monday 19 August 2002
The Orangery at Kew Gardens is a classical reminder of the Gardens' Royal
heritage, dating back to the time when the Hanoverian Kings lived at Kew
Palace. With its high ceilings and archways and impressive large windows,
the Orangery is one of Kew's most attractive buildings. Over the last
eighteen months, the Grade I listed building has undergone extensive restoration
and re-opens this autumn as Kew's most elegant restaurant and entertaining
venue.
Built for Princess Augusta by Sir William Chambers in 1761, the building
was originally filled with citrus fruit plants that were reported to "bear
extremely well and large". In 1863, it was transformed into a museum,
but was restored to hold citrus plants once again in 1959 before being
turned into a gift shop and tearoom in the 1970s and 80s. The original
armorial bearings of Prince Frederick and Princess Augusta can still be
seen, preserved on the front of the building.
Now the Orangery has been sensitively restored and opens in October. It
will provide high quality refreshments, serving morning coffees, lunches,
snacks and a new waitress- service afternoon tea, which promises to be
extremely popular with visitors. A new outdoor terrace built of York and
Portland stone provides views over the Gardens and a stylish outdoor seating
area in the summer.
Kew Gardens open daily from 9.30am and close at 6.00pm until 27 October,
when closing is 4.15pm daily. For details about visiting Kew phone 020
8332 5655 or check out Kew's website at www.kew.org.
Entry is £6.50 for adults, £4.50 for concessions. Children
of 16 and under are admitted free.
For further media information, contact Claire Hyde or Hannah Rogers on
020 8332 5607/5619 (press enquiries only, not for publication)
For further Press information please contact:
|
Kew: Public Relations Tel: +44 (0)20 8332 5607/5619 |
Wakehurst Place: Public Relations Tel: +44 (0)1444 894018 |
