“Visitors should be able to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors as a counterpoint to what is within.”(Margaret Pilkington, Director of the Whitworth, 1935-58)

Originally known as the Whitworth Institute and Park, in 1889 the Whitworth opened its doors to “people of all social classes,” a gallery in the park that would counteract the malaises of inner-city life.

The Alex Bernstein Garden was designed by RHS Chelsea gold medallist, Sarah Price. This garden can be found nestled behind the Study Centre and sheltered by an original brick wall on one side and can only be accessed via the gallery.  Upon entering this garden, one is greeted with a calming palette of cool greens and whites, designed as a space for contemplation and reflection.

NB.  Visitors must check The Whitworth website before booking their visit.

This garden is worth the detour:  a quiet contemplative space that is the perfect setting for a Silent Space.  The garden, full of shade loving herbaceous plants and ferns, helps to increase local biodiversity by creating a variety of habitats for the park’s insect inhabitants.  Planting here and in the Art Garden also supports the half dozen-strong species of bumblebee that live in the park and in the gallery’s own hive located in the Alex Bernstein Garden.

The Whitworth, The University of Manchester, The Alex Bernstein Garden, Emily Young, Maremma Warrior Head V, Sculpture 2011

Images © Michael Pollard 2019