Richard E. Grant Transforms Garden into Cinematic Wonderland
Richard E. Grant’s garden in Richmond, London, presents a striking departure from the typical English garden, typically adorned with daffodils and tulips in the spring. Instead, Grant’s outdoor space is an eclectic showcase filled with props and memorabilia from his film career, ranging from Saltburn to Carrie Cracknell’s 2022 adaptation of Persuasion.
After filming each project, Grant expresses a penchant for acquiring items from the production teams. “I often approach the production department with an offer to buy or bribe my way into obtaining unique pieces for my garden,” he noted. While this garden has primarily served as a private retreat for entertaining fellow actors, it has now opened up to a wider audience through the Royal Horticultural Society’s new podcast, Roots.
Iconic Props from Recent Productions
Among the unique items in his garden is the vibrant proscenium arch from Saltburn, a cherished memory from Grant’s recent project. “After filming a major outdoor birthday scene in the film, I approached the production crew with a request to buy it. Although they initially declined, citing storage issues, they ultimately allowed me to take it home for free,” he shared.
Grant also treasures a striking faux marble bust of Barbra Streisand, which he commissioned from a special effects studio. His admiration for Streisand led him to present the piece to her, leading to a memorable conversation. “She found it amusing and remarked that I was quite ‘crazy’ for commissioning it, though she did compliment its accuracy,” he recounted.
In addition to the bust, Grant has adorned his garden with imposing faux marble columns from the 2022 version of Persuasion. “After filming wrapped, I couldn’t resist snagging these beautiful pieces that graced a grand Somerset estate,” he said.
Treasures from Gladiator II and Beyond
Interestingly, Grant featured props from Gladiator II, despite not being part of the film. He discovered plinths set aside for disposal at Shepperton Studios. “I made sure to salvage them before they were thrown away. They now proudly frame my front door,” he explained.
Grant’s outdoor area also includes a custom-built pergola, designed for hosting lively gatherings. He humorously shared, “I enticed four carpenters from Gloucestershire with the promise of food and lodging to complete it in just four days for a Halloween party.” The pergola is outfitted with a fire pit for those brisk evenings and has been the backdrop for celebrations with notable guests, such as Meryl Streep and Paul Rudd.
A Lasting Tribute and New Beginnings
Grant’s garden is not only a space for entertainment but a place of reminiscence. His late wife, Joan Washington, who succumbed to lung cancer in 2021, had requested that her ashes be interred beneath a cherry tree in their garden. Though he acknowledges her wishes, Grant has yet to fulfill them, explaining the emotional difficulty: “This box of ashes is the last tangible part of her I possess.”
In a joyful turn, Grant has shifted into a communal living arrangement with his daughter, Olivia, and her husband, who moved in during the pandemic. As they anticipate the arrival of a new family member in June, he muses about creating a “next phase” for the garden, envisioning features like a slide and a trampoline.
Richard E. Grant’s garden is not just an array of film props; it stands as a testament to both his illustrious career and personal journey, blending memories, artistry, and hope for the future.
Source: Original Source
