New artist-designed table tennis tables unveiled in Paddington Street Gardens

The temporary seasonal installation has been commissioned by Harley Street BID and funded through its public realm budget, with artist Lois O’Hara creating a bespoke design inspired by the gardens and their history.

Free for residents, workers and visitors to use, the table has been designed for informal community play, with bats and balls available from the Play.Made app cabinet next to the playground shelter.

The artwork draws on the history of Paddington Street Gardens and the pioneering women connected to them, including Fanny Wilkinson, the landscape gardener who designed the gardens, and Princess Louise, an accomplished sculptor and artist who officially opened them.

The installation also reflects a little-known connection between the area and the early history of table tennis. In 1902, a women’s international ‘Ping-Pong’ match was held at Queen’s Hall on nearby Langham Place, as the Victorian parlour game was beginning to develop into a competitive sport.

Lois said: “I wanted the design to celebrate that history while also bringing something playful and contemporary to the space.

“I used a soft colour palette, with my signature flowing shapes designed to feel natural within the gardens and make the table feel like a piece of public art as well as something people can enjoy using.

“The palette is inspired by some of the shadows that the plants create in the gardens. My style is organic and fluid, encouraging movement of the mind and the body.”

The table forms part of the BID’s ongoing work to improve the public realm and create welcoming spaces for people who live, work and visit the area.

Lois added: “I’ve had lots of really lovely feedback from regular users since it was installed, which is exactly what I hoped the artwork would achieve – adding a bit of colour, joy and warmth to the already beautiful gardens.”