The Hanging Gardens of Hammersmith, No. 1 1944 - 1947

Curator: Victor Pasmore’s, The Hanging Gardens of Hammersmith, No. 1, presents us with a dreamlike vista, rendered with delicate precision. What strikes you first about it? Editor: It evokes a sense of quietude, almost melancholy. The muted palette and bare branches suggest a moment of reflection, perhaps on urban nature or its absence. Curator: Indeed. Pasmore often explored the convergence of nature and the industrial landscape, and this piece, now in the Tate collection, captures that liminal space. The subtle use of color seems almost symbolic. Editor: Perhaps representing the fragility of our connection to the natural world amidst urban sprawl? These gardens become a metaphor for a lost Eden, hinting at environmental concerns and social inequalities in accessing green spaces. Curator: A powerful interpretation. The recurring imagery of gardens represents a yearning for harmony, a visual echo of a more balanced world. Editor: Thank you. It's left me thinking about the potential for art to ignite critical conversations on social justice and ecological sustainability. Curator: And for me, a reminder of the symbolic power of gardens, places of reflection and enduring hope.