Richard E Grant's Garden: A Cinematic Wonderland in Richmond
Step into the garden of actor Richard E Grant in Richmond, London, and you'll discover a space that defies traditional English horticulture. Instead of typical spring blooms like daffodils and tulips, this outdoor area is adorned with an eclectic collection of props and decorations from Grant's film career, including items from Saltburn and the 2022 adaptation of Persuasion. Grant has long used this garden as a private retreat for entertaining fellow actors, but he recently shared its secrets with the public through the Royal Horticultural Society's new podcast, Roots. Here, we explore the extraordinary elements that make this garden a unique tribute to cinema and personal history.
Saltburn's Proscenium Arch: A Free Acquisition
Hidden behind a hedge and positioned next to a wooden bench, fans of Emerald Fennell's 2023 hit Saltburn will immediately recognise the colourful proscenium arch. Grant recounts how he acquired it after filming: "At the end of the film, there was a big outdoor party scene for Barry Keoghan's character's birthday, and I said, 'Could I possibly buy that?'" Initially, the production department refused, citing high storage costs and plans to scrap it. However, Grant persisted, asking if he could have it for his garden, and they ultimately gave it to him for free, preserving a piece of cinematic history.
A Giant Bust of Barbra Streisand: A Fan's Tribute
Beneath the Saltburn arch stands a prominent faux marble sculpture of Barbra Streisand's face, commissioned by Grant from a special effects company he has collaborated with on films. Unlike many other items, this piece was a personal project driven by Grant's admiration for the icon. "She's seen the pictures of it," he says, recalling a party where he showed her photos. "I had a conversation with her and I said at the end of it, 'I have something to confess ... I've commissioned a two-foot tall sculpture of your head favouring your left profile for my garden.' And she said, 'You're crazy.'" Streisand did, however, acknowledge it as a "very accurate representation."
Marble Columns from Persuasion: A Grand Addition
At the rear of the garden, covered in climbing plants and framed by trees, imposing faux marble pillars from the 2022 adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion stand tall, strung with candelabras. These columns once formed part of the grand Somerset estate depicted in the film. Grant simply asked for them at the end of filming and "snaffled them," adding a touch of classical elegance to his outdoor space.
Plinths from Gladiator II: An Unexpected Find
Although Grant did not appear in Gladiator II, he managed to secure some props from the film, which now frame his front door. "I was working at Shepperton studios and I saw these plinths on a skip," he explains. "Sadly, I wasn't in Gladiator, but I have the two Gladiator plinths outside my house. I don't care." This serendipitous acquisition highlights his resourcefulness and passion for collecting film memorabilia.
The Party Pergola: A Hub for Celebrity Gatherings
Grant loves hosting parties and has a bespoke pergola designed for socialising, dancing, and dining. "It's really good for dancing and feeding people in," he says. To build it, he "basically bribed four carpenters to come from Gloucestershire and said I'd cook for them and, you know, put them up if they could [make it] in four days, for a Halloween party four years ago. And they did it!" The pergola also features a fire pit for colder evenings. Notable guests have included Meryl Streep, Paul Rudd, Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Catherine O'Hara, with festivities often lasting until 5am, thanks to the lack of neighbours.
Christmas Decorations: A Year-Round Celebration
In Grant's garden, Christmas is a perpetual affair, with silver baubles hanging from trees and twinkling fairy lights adorning the space. He sourced the baubles from a shop window display of a well-known perfumery brand after the holiday season. "They said: 'No, we'd be grateful if you could take them off us.' So I got all of them. I like Christmas, as you can see. So there's Christmas lights on every day, all year, day and night." This festive touch adds a whimsical charm to the garden's atmosphere.
Personal Touches: Memories and Future Plans
The garden also holds deep personal significance. Grant's late wife, Joan Washington, who died of lung cancer in 2021, requested her ashes be buried under a cherry tree. However, Grant has hesitated, explaining, "Rationally, I understand that's what she wanted. But emotionally, this box of ashes is the last thing that I physically have of her. So I haven't buried them because I thought, 'Well, if I leave this house, then I can't take the ashes with me.'" Additionally, his daughter Olivia and her husband moved in during Covid, bringing new life to the household. With a grandchild due in June, Grant embraces a communal lifestyle, acting as a "concierge" by tending the garden, cooking, and shopping. He hints that future garden phases may include a slide and trampoline, reflecting the evolving nature of this cherished space.
