If these walls—and the trees surrounding them—could talk, they’d tell the story of a nation in flux. This spring, Burgh House is inviting us to step into the world of one of its most dedicated residents with Amongst the Trees and Terraces: Donald Towner (1903–1985). It is the first exhibition in decades to celebrate Towner, a man who lived in this leafy part of London at 8 Church Row for nearly sixty years, capturing the evolution of Hampstead from his studio window.
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A tale of two Londons: tenderness and grit
Donald Towner was a “naturalist at heart,” but his work is far from just pretty pictures of the English countryside. Spanning the interwar and postwar years, the exhibition offers a poignant look at a country rebuilding itself. A marketing pioneer, Towner was commissioned to promote Britain’s international image to an international audience and he did it beautifully. The show puts together a fascinating pictorial juxtaposition of the quiet, fragile and reverent landscapes of the British countryside and a rubble-strewn streets around St Paul’s Cathedral in a London that was recovering after the Blitz.
The Hampstead connection
For Towner, Hampstead wasn’t just where he lived; it was his ultimate muse. He captured unexpected perspectives on this iconic London village, with its green spaces as they were in the 18th century, leaving you, the visitor to see it how it was then and how it changed to the quaint and elegant place we know and love today.
The exhibition features rarely seen works, including links to Towner’s surviving public art:
- Louis’ Café: Eagle-eyed locals will recognize his work on the walls of this iconic Heath Street patisserie.
- Hampstead Parish Church: The exhibition highlights his artistic contributions to the local church where he was an active part of the community.
Vanished and imagined: a double feature
Alongside the main Towner exhibition, Burgh House is presenting a special collections showcase: Hampstead Vanished and Imagined.
This sister display explores the “lost” landscapes of NW3—buildings that no longer exist and architectural plans that never quite made it off the drawing board. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in how we manage urban change while keeping that unique “village” soul intact.
“Donald Towner’s work offers us both tenderness and grit… This exhibition is a homecoming for an artist who lived and worked here, and a chance to reflect on how art shapes our sense of place.” — Amy Miller, Curator of Burgh House
Amongst the Trees and Terraces: Donald Towner (1903–1985) includes works from Burgh House’s own important collection of Towner and loans from private collectors, many of whom knew Towner personally. Additionally, this free show give visitors the opportunity to see rarely seen paintings of Hampstead and its landmarks. This is also an opportunity to learn more about the collaborative project with New End School and the Heath and Hampstead Society, focusing on the 1990s redevelopment of New End Hospital.
Amongst the Trees and Terraces: Donald Towner (1903–1985) is free to visit and is hosted at Burgh House (New End Square, Hampstead, NW3 1LT) until 13 December 2026. Burgh House is a Grade I listed 18th century manor House in the heart of Hampstead village. A residence until the 1930s, Burgh House is now a self-funding charity and a dynamic space for art, events, and history. Burgh House is open free of charge to the public as an art gallery, museum and exhibition space with a diverse programme of cultural events.
Visit our events and activities area for more ideas of things to do with kids in London this season. or have a look at our theatre and dance page to see our selection of family friendly shows.