3:00pm Friday 22nd September 2006
By Chris Briddon
Architecture-lovers across the capital flocked to the Open House London event at the weekend when more than 600 buildings were open to the public - some for the first time.
Locally, Boston Manor House, Chiswick House, Spring Grove House, the cavalry barracks on Hounslow Heath, Chiswick Business Park, Isleworth public hall, Redlees studio in Isleworth, West Thames College, St Mary's convent in The Butts, and Osterley House were all open.
Hogarth's House, Chiswick parish church, the forge at Kew Bridge Steam Museum and Chiswick town hall also welcomed visitors.
Chiswick people were so enthusiastic about Open House London, they also organised their own event called Open Chiswick to run alongside Open London.
The weekend began on Saturday morning at 9am with the Great River Swim when a group swam from Chiswick Pier to Chiswick Eyot and back again.
Chiswick Pier Trust held a spit roast and a barbecue with a bar, live music and a tombola in the forecourt on Corney Reach where people had gathered to watch The Great River Race.
Chiswick House was open with guided tours of the house and gardens, and musicians Rohan Kirwaczek and the Guerilla Musicians performed at the caf and throughout the grounds.
On Sunday Chiswick House Friend's held a dog show and Capable Canines gave agility displays and tips on training.
St. Nicholas' Church ran guided tours of the graveyard which has 27 listed graves and monuments including Hogarth, Whistler and de Loutherbourg tomb by Sir John Soane.
People were also able to visit allotments and the Chiswick Farmers' Market.
Open Chiswick concluded on Sunday night with a trip down the Thames aboard the MV Salamander to watch the Thames Festival fireworks spectacular in central London.
Isleworth public hall in South Street was open on Saturday and Sunday when an exhibition was staged on all aspects of Isleworth in the last few decades.
Isleworth's marathon man Don Martin, who has completed 52 marathons, was at the exhibition, as was wood engraver David Hackman.
The RNLI and the Safer Neighbourhoods police team had stands, and a series of talks and walks were held during the weekend.
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