Richard E Grant's Film-Themed Garden: A Hollywood Oasis in Richmond
Step into Richard E Grant's garden in Richmond, London, and you'll encounter a truly unconventional spectacle. Instead of the typical daffodils and tulips that adorn English gardens at this time of year, Grant's outdoor space is a vibrant collection of props and decorations from the films he has starred in, ranging from Saltburn to the 2022 adaptation of Persuasion. The actor reveals that after each job, he approaches the production department to purchase or negotiate for pieces to enhance his garden. Until recently, this area served as a private retreat for entertaining fellow actors, but Grant has now shared it with the world as part of the Royal Horticultural Society's new podcast, Roots. Here is a detailed exploration of the weird and wonderful items that define this unique garden.
Saltburn's Proscenium Arch
Hidden behind a hedge and adjacent to a wooden bench is a colorful proscenium arch that fans of Emerald Fennell's 2023 hit Saltburn will instantly recognize. Grant explains, "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 the item. However, Grant persisted, asking if he could have it for his garden, and they ultimately gave it to him for free.
A Giant Bust of Barbra Streisand
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 garden items, this piece was personally commissioned due to Grant's immense admiration for Streisand. He shares, "She's seen the pictures of it." After meeting her at a party and showing her photos, Grant confessed, "I have something to confess ... I've commissioned a two-foot tall sculpture of your head favouring your left profile for my garden." Streisand responded by calling him crazy but acknowledged it as a "very accurate representation."
Marble Columns from Persuasion
At the rear of the garden, covered in climbing plants and framed by trees, are imposing faux marble pillars adorned with candelabras, which featured in the 2022 adaptation of Jane Austen's Persuasion. Grant recalls, "At the end of filming, I said, 'Could I have them?' and snaffled them." These pillars originally formed part of the grand Somerset estate depicted in the film, adding a touch of classical elegance to the space.
Plinths from Gladiator II
Although Grant did not appear in Gladiator II, he managed to acquire some props from the film, which now frame his front door. He discovered the plinths on a skip at Shepperton studios and seized the opportunity. "Sadly, I wasn't in Gladiator, but I have the two Gladiator plinths outside my house. I don't care," he states with a laugh, highlighting his resourceful approach to garden decor.
A Party Pergola
Grant loves hosting parties and has a bespoke pergola designed for socializing, dining, and dancing. He explains how it came to be: "I basically bribed four carpenters to come from Gloucestershire and said I'd cook for them and 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 neighbors.
Christmas Decorations
In Grant's garden, it's Christmas all year round, with silver baubles hanging from trees and twinkling fairy lights strung throughout. He found the baubles in a shop window display of a well-known perfumery brand after the holiday season. When he inquired about their disposal, the staff offered them to him for free. "I like Christmas, as you can see. So there's Christmas lights on every day, all year, day and night," Grant remarks, showcasing his festive spirit.
His Late Wife's Favorite Cherry Tree
Grant's wife, Joan Washington, who passed away from lung cancer in 2021, requested that her ashes be buried under a cherry tree in the garden. However, Grant has yet to fulfill this wish. "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,'" he shares, reflecting on the emotional complexity of loss.
New Life – and Maybe a Trampoline
During the Covid pandemic, Grant's daughter, Olivia, and her husband moved into his home, leading to a communal living arrangement. "Our daughter's having a baby in June," he says, "and because she and her husband chose to come and live here a couple of years ago, I now live this communal life. So I'm a concierge, basically. Do the garden, cook, shop, which I love." He recalls the solitude of his first year as a widower, hearing only his own footsteps in the large house. Looking ahead, the next phase of the garden may include a slide and a trampoline, symbolizing new beginnings and family joy.
