Strawberry Field opens rose garden honouring Sir George and Lady Judy Martin

Today, we have unveiled a rose garden dedicated to the late Beatles producer Sir George Martin, and his wife, Lady Judy Martin, a devoted patron of Strawberry Field. 

The Sir George and Lady Judy Martin Rose Garden is the first public tribute of its kind dedicated to the legendary producer. At its heart, a curved brick wall featuring an engraved Portland stone celebrating his career alongside 30 discs marking the UK No.1 singles he produced with the likes of Cilla Black, Gerry and the Pacemakers, the Beatles and Elton John during a career that defined an era of British music.

As a patron of the charity, Lady Martin wanted to create a space of peaceful reflection where people could sit and look across to the famous Strawberry Field gates, surrounded by her favourite roses.

The roses were selected for their colour and fragrance, so that the space may be enjoyed by all visitors, including those with limited sight. Many were a gift from Lady Judy before her death in 2023, sourced from David Austin Roses in her favourite shades of red and pink. 

Spanning 95 square metres, the accessible garden includes a water feature, a circular raised rose bed and seating areas. Visitors enter the rose garden through decorative gates, painted by pop artist James Wilkinson. 

The garden was officially opened on Saturday 27 June by the couple’s children, Giles Martin and Lucie Kitchener. Other attendees included Julia Baird, honorary president of Strawberry Field and sister of John Lennon, Mike McCartney, Sir Paul McCartney’s younger brother, and Lady Ann Dodd.

Speaking at the opening, Giles said: “This rose garden is such a fitting tribute to my parents in several ways. Just as you would care for a rose, my father nurtured and loved the artists he worked with. His love of hard work symbolised by the redbrick wall, his time for peace and reflection represented by the flowing water. My mother was a great supporter and patron of Strawberry Field; her passion is evident in the fantastic work the Steps to Work team do to help young people blossom and flourish. I’d like to thank the team for their hard work in making this happen, and Cliff for his wonderful generosity."

The rose garden was donated by Cliff Cooper, CEO of Orange Amps and a patron of Strawberry Field, who in 2023 also gifted the site’s Sgt. Pepper-inspired bandstand. “As a patron of Strawberry Field, I’m honoured to support this tribute to Sir George and Lady Martin,” he said. “Their impact on music and their dedication to charitable causes align in harmony with the spirit of Strawberry Field.”

Also revealed was a display of exclusive photographs which have been shared for the first time by the Martin family and by Mike McCartney from their personal archives. Visitors to Strawberry Field can enjoy the display of these fresh insights into the Martin’s love of roses and relationship to Strawberry Field throughout the summer.

Major Michelle Lovegrove-Huggins said “It is a pleasure to open the rose garden in memory of Sir George and his contribution to music and Lady Judy Martin. Lady Judy was a valued patron of The Salvation Army and Strawberry Field and supported our work empowering young people in the community into paid work. We look forward to welcoming visitors to reflect in the garden she helped to create, as she once imagined.”