As part of the celebrations marking the centenary of the Ladies’ Pond as a place reserved for women and girls to swim and following publication of Nell Frizzell’s witty book Brave and Bold: 100 Years of the Ladies’ Pond on Hampstead Heath (in all weathers), the KLPA is presenting an exhibition at Lauderdale House, Highgate, showing the work of twelve members chosen from an open call to be ‘Artists in Residence’ at the Pond during its 100th year. The exhibition will run from 27 August to 21 September 2026 (please check gallery hours on the Lauderdale House website, they vary from day-to-day).
In August 2025, members were invited to apply for the year-long residencies as an opportunity to create work inspired by the history, nature and welcoming community of the Pond, as well as their experience of swimming in its waters.
The high quality and range of submissions reflected a wide variety of artistic practice and media. After careful consideration by the organising committee (Ruth Hallgarten, Catherin Peake, Maggie Jennings and Nicky Mayhew), the residencies were awarded based on the originality and creativity of each artist’s approach in responding to and celebrating what the Pond means to them. The exhibition showcases the talent and enthusiasm of Pond swimmers with works on paper, ceramics and textiles, as well as performances of poetry, voice and movement. While portraying the community and the beauty of the natural environment, many of the artists chose to consider the experience of swimming through the changing seasons and the physical and mental benefits of being ‘bold in all weathers’.
The exhibition includes a 5 x 1.5 metre version of a colourful 35 metre long banner that will be installed temporarily at the Ladies’ Pond in September. Created by artist and photographer Ruth Corney, the banner combines images reflecting 100 years at the Ladies’ Pond, embellished with more than 100 hand-embroidered badges made by KLPA members.
The twelve artists in the exhibition are Louise Barrett, Ruth Corney, Louise Dekker, Abigail Edgar, Susan Feldman, Elisha Gabb, Susan Hellard, Emily Johns, Caroline Leaf, Amanda Lebus, Naori Priestly and Rosianna Halse Rojas. Examples of their work and links to their websites and social media feeds can be found on this website here.
Here is coverage of the exhibition in the Ham & High.