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.

The City of London has now published the results of its public consultation on the bathing ponds and its response to the High Court ruling on swimming at the bathing ponds. Please follow the links below for more information.

https://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/consultation-results-published-on-hampstead-heath-bathing-ponds

https://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/response-to-hampstead-heath-bathing-ponds-court-ruling

On Sunday 21 September the KLPA celebrated its 40th anniversary with a joyful party held on the upper meadow in brilliant autumnal sunshine. Thank you to all the members who joined to sing, dance, eat cake and catch up with friends old and new.

Here is a news report from our independent local newspaper, the Camden New Journal:

In 2026 the KLPA will celebrate 100 years of women and girls swimming at the Ladies’ Pond.

We are marking this centenary by inviting applications from artists from a variety of creative practices, including writers, poets, musicians, singers, songwriters, spoken word and sound artists, for up to ten artist residencies that will allow them to respond to the Ladies’ Pond in any way they choose.

For details of eligibility and what the KLPA will be offering in return to support this project, as well as details of how to apply, please click here to download to the ‘Downloads’ folder of your computer. If you have any further questions please email us HERE.

The deadline to apply for the KLPA Artists’ Residencies is 31 August 2025.

Dark mornings 

As we head into winter, to ensure there is sufficient light at the Bathing Ponds, we will be altering our open and close times as set out below. 

Bathing Ponds  

• On Sunday 13 October, for two weeks, the Bathing Ponds will open and close 30 minutes later: Open: 7:30am to 4:45pm* 
• On Sunday 27 October, the clocks will have changed, and we can return to our regular opening time: Open: 7am to 2pm* 
• By Sunday 24 November, the mornings will have darkened again, and the Bathing Ponds will open and close 30 minutes later: Open: 7:30am to 2:30pm* 
• By Sunday 16 February, Spring will be approaching, and we can return to our regular early opening time: Open: 7am to 2pm* 

*Vacate water 15 minutes after last entry and vacate facility 30 minutes after last entry. 

Lido 

• Open and close times remain unchanged due to the presence of flood lighting. 

Reminder – Mixed Pond 

The last day to enjoy swimming at the Mixed Pond is Sunday 27 October, it will close for public swimming from Monday 28 October, reopening in spring 2025. 

If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to speak to one of the Stewards or contact the admin team at HH-Swimming@cityoflondon.gov.uk.

 

Join us this Sunday, 28 April between 9.00am and 11.00am, to buy KLPA merchandise: porcelain mugs, silicone swimming caps, warm hats to take away pre and post-swim chills, and our wonderful Wild Swimming Walks book.

See all future sale dates for 2024 on the poster below.