Ruth Murray: Byron's Pond

The Garden Museum hosts this beautiful painting exhibition by contemporary artist Ruth Murray exploring the psychological impact of gardens and how green spaces affect our lives today.

Living in a concrete yard in a bustling city, Ruth draws inspiration from the small patches of greenery in her area — her neighbour Ingrid’s vibrant collection of potted plants, community planters in shared alleys, and a serene corner by a brook in the nearby park.

The title Byron’s Pond refers to a secluded spot in a densely wooded area on the River Cam where Lord Byron bathed, and Virginia Woolf is later rumoured to have gone skinny dipping. A major theme of the show is the association between women and bodies of water, particularly the imagery of ponds, and the feelings of both contemplation and freedom that they evoke.