Issue 36 2023 - Journal - Page 52
Striking Chinese Bridge, inspired by
famous willow pattern, returns to
historic garden thanks to marathon
efforts of local schoolgirl
Biddulph Grange Garden’s striking Chinese Bridge has been replaced with a handcrafted replica after an
absence of four years
Local schoolgirl ran two marathons to raise money towards the new bridge when she was aged just 10
A National Trust specialist crafts team built the new bridge which consists of hundreds of hand-cut pieces
The team spent two weeks piecing together the bridge, like a 3D giant jigsaw puzzle
Biddulph Grange Garden, a masterpiece of Victorian
garden design, is celebrating the return of its striking
Chinese Bridge, thanks to the skills of a National Trust
specialist crafts team and the marathon fundraising efforts
of a Staffordshire schoolgirl.
The ornate red, green and yellow footbridge – first built
in the mid 19th-century and replaced in the late 1980s –
is a key feature of the China garden, one of a series of
garden ‘rooms’ that take visitors on a global journey. The
China garden was modelled on the famous ‘willow pattern’ ceramic design and is one of the garden’s most prized
and photographed areas.
But despite conservation repairs over the years, by
autumn 2018 the bridge had deteriorated and for safety
reasons it was decided that a replica should be made.
Local schoolgirl Mia Hearson was told about the need for
a new bridge by her grandmother Elaine Lawton, who has
volunteered at the garden for 16 years. Aged just 10, Mia
set out on a sponsorship challenge and raised almost
£1,400 towards the new bridge, by running 52 miles – the
equivalent of the London and New York marathons.
Mia said: “I remember going on this bridge since I was little.
It’s something now that when I look at it, I can think, ‘I’ve
helped make this possible’.”
Elaine said: “I’m so proud of Mia for what she’s done in
support of the bridge. I’m proud because she did it completely
off her own back – it was all her idea and she just went out
and ran in all kinds of weathers.
Mia’s mother Nicola Hearson added: “Biddulph is a place
we’ve always gone to since Mia was little. It’s on our doorstep
and my mum works there, so we’ve always called it ‘Granny’s
Garden.’
“We have such fond memories of visiting, so when Mia heard
about the bridge needing to be replaced, she wanted to help
and did it by doing what she loves.”
