Treetops

Thursday, 16 November 2023

River Thames - Temple Island Watercolour Class

Claire joined us on 30 October for a Watercolour Class

Temple Island, near Henley on Thames

Temple Island is an elegant ornamental folly deisnged by the 18th century English architect James Wyatt, commissioned by the Freeman Family and constructed in 11771. It was designed as a fishing lodge for Fawley Court, a nearby historic house also owned by the Freeman family.

In 1952 the Henley Regatta commitee asked the then owners for first refusal if they were to sell the Island, they tried again in the early 1980s, and in 1986 it was placed on the open market.

In 1987, the future of the island including the Temple was secured through the generosity of local couple Mr and Mrs Burrough. Their donation made it possible for Henley Royal Regatta to acquire a 999 year lease of the island from the owners, the freehold being vested in The Trustees of Temple Island.

The downstream section of the island was retained as a nature reserve and was extensively replanted with trees. The Victorian balcony which had decayed was replaced and the wall paintings inside which had deteriorated were repaired and brought back to the colours originally intended by Wyatt.

At other times of year you can hire Temple Island for private or corporate events between April and October, 40 people inside or 120 in a marquee outside it's a stunning spot!

In an effort to precent damage to the Temple or to its garden, visitors are barred from mooring or setting foot on the island without written permission from the Henley Royal Regatta Committee.

Interesting fact: The location was featured in the music video of "Never Turn Away" by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark.