Richmond Bridge, the oldest surviving Thames crossing in Greater London, has been transformed with a spectacular floral display to celebrate its 250th anniversary. The floral makeover is part of the “Be in Bloom” initiative, a new campaign launched by Richmond’s Business Improvement District (BID) to enhance the town’s historic landmarks and foster community pride.
The floral installation, created by renowned London florists WildAbout, covers the bridge with fresh flowers and plants, using eco-friendly moss as the base. The initiative seeks to honour Richmond’s unique heritage while beautifying the town for residents and visitors alike. The celebratory display coincides with the anniversary of the start of the bridge’s construction in 1774.
The Mayor of Richmond attended the official launch of the “Be in Bloom” campaign, marking the milestone with a boat trip on the Royal Jubilant, a traditional barge built by Richmond Bridge Boathouses. Passengers were treated to a close-up view of the floral decorations from the river below. The Jubilant, commissioned in 2002 for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee by the Thames Traditional Rowing Association, is a replica of an 18th-century barge that resides at Somerset House in London.
Anna Bromly, Marketing Manager for Be Richmond, spoke about the importance of the campaign. “Our goal with ‘Be in Bloom’ is to celebrate Richmond’s amazing heritage and natural beauty in a fun and engaging way,” she said. “This floral makeover not only enhances our historic bridge but also brings the community together and creates a more welcoming atmosphere for visitors.”
Richmond Bridge, a Grade I listed structure, has long been a key crossing point along the Thames. Its elegant Georgian design has made it a beloved landmark in the area, and the floral display adds to its appeal as a focal point for local pride and tourism.
WildAbout, the florists responsible for the display, have earned a reputation for their striking and stylish floral installations. With previous high-profile clients including fashion brand Michael Kors and luxury venues such as No. Fifty Cheyne, WildAbout has been at the forefront of London’s floral installation craze. Their designs for the “Be in Bloom” campaign reflect their commitment to creativity and sustainability.
“This project really brings Richmond’s historic charm to life,” said a spokesperson for WildAbout. “We’re thrilled to be part of such a significant celebration.”
The floral makeover is just one element of the broader “Be in Bloom” initiative, which aims to promote local businesses and enhance the town’s aesthetic appeal. Residents and visitors are encouraged to engage with the campaign by sharing their photos of the floral displays on social media, using the hashtag #BeInBloom.
The initiative is expected to attract both local and tourist interest, reinforcing Richmond’s reputation as a picturesque and vibrant area of London. By celebrating its rich history through contemporary floral art, the town is bridging the past and the present in a creative, community-focused way.
The anniversary celebrations will continue throughout the year, with various events planned to showcase Richmond’s heritage and the role of its historic landmarks in the life of the town.