Meet the photographer responsible for the stunning new book capturing Teddington and Bushy Park’s beauty
By Eli Haidari
11th Dec 2022 | Local News
After a long and established career within the publishing industry, the financial crash in 2008 left Andrew Wilson searching for a different path.
Something fresh, something exciting and something he had a passion for.
Photography had always interested Andrew and at 50-years-of-age, he set off on a photography course at the Putney School of Art and Design.
Shortly after, a talk hosted by Sir David Attenborough in Kingston was attended by the newly-trained photographer who took inspiration from the English broadcaster and natural historian when he discussed London's biggest outdoor space that is so often undervalued and unforgotten – the River Thames.
Andrew's work to date has been heavily influenced by the beauty of the Thames and the Putney-based photographer has now published over twenty books as part of the 'Wild About' collection which includes Barnes (now in its third addition), Putney, Twickenham, Richmond and Notting Hill.
However, Andrew's latest project is one the Teddington community will particularly be able to resonate with, with the photographer having released 'Wild About Teddington and Bushy Park' just a few weeks ago.
Having spent the last 18 months collecting his materials, his latest offering is a stunning visual memento of the wonders in Teddington.
When questioned on where the inspiration came from for his Teddington project, Andrew told Nub News: "Nature inspires my work and Bushy Park is by far my favourite out of the eight royal parks, it's in a way a sort of hidden gem and I think that allows its beauty to flourish.
"So, when a previous book I had collaborated on about Bushy Park had sold out, the lovely people at The Loft encouraged me to get going on the next, so, instead of re-printing I embarked on my own project and here we are today with the Wild About Teddington and Bushy Park, the must have Christmas Present this year!"
The book dives into the town's history with the help of local historian Ken Howe and takes readers through the seasons whilst paying tribute to its iconic spots including the famous Lock and Bushy Park.
Teddington's Jubilee celebrations for her late Majesty the Queen are also included, where Andrew visited over 16 street parties in four days.
Another key feature Andrew was eager to include was Teddington's street life, with the town famous for its remarkable array of independent retailers.
Andrew continued: "It's remarkable the level of entrepreneurship in Teddington and this was something I desperately wanted to include in the book and the local organisation Teddington Together was vital in making this happen.
"Lisa Wyborn and the team were amazing in shaping the town content and assisted me in nominated 20 of our finest independent retailers."
Teddington's retail heroes are celebrated in the book's High Street section where Andrew has photographed the individuals responsible for staple businesses that add to the town's charm.
From Shambles Restaurant & Wine Bar, The Fallow Deer, Refill Larder and Gillian Million on Teddington High Street, to the Teddington Carpet Centre, Mimmo and The Loft on Broad Street.
The twenty celebrated heroes are also displayed throughout Andrew's Teddington and Bushy Park calendar for 2023, where 12 of Andrew's favourite pictures from the book have been carefully selected to reflect each month of the year.
In 2021 Teddington was named the Sunday Times 'Best Place to live in London', and was praised for its businesses, transport links and green space, "It is a small town that has shone – big enough to have everything you need within walking distance and small enough for everything to feel connected."
Andrew Wilson's offering pays testament to the beauty of the community orientated town and is a must have for any resident or local fond of its wonders.
To purchase your Wild About Teddington & Bushy Park, visit Teddington's Waterstones or The Loft and purchase your 2023 calendar from the High Street's Post Office.
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