More reviews
If you have ever swam on Hampstead Heath, or are interested in the development of open water swimming in this country, this book is highly recommended. After reading it I cannot wait to swim again on Hampstead Heath.
– Mark Thompson, River and Lake Swimming Society
Heavenly pics and riveting story of the Hampstead Ponds.
– Michele Hanson
Looks gorgeous!
– Kate Rew, author of Wild Swim
As Davies tells the engrossing story of the ponds development, Corney’s modern images of life at the ponds blend with historic photographs to create an invigorating look at how people, no matter where they live, will always find a space to enjoy nature.
– Outdoor Photography
If you’re finding it harder than usual to get off the sofa and into a swimsuit, try dipping your toe into Taking the Waters, a scenic celebration of Hampstead Heath’s unique swimming spots through memory, history, anecdote and photography.
– Fabric Property
Chronicles the social history of all the ponds and the lido on the Heath. The book uncovers that people have been swimming at the ponds for more than 200 years and even champion swimmers and world famous divers have been spotted there.
– Ham & High
A fascinating and thorough history and modern day politik of the ponds…a reservoir of joyous, unadulterated pond-life.
– Hampstead Village Voice
Corney is an award-winning photographer who provides intriguing, atmospheric images of the Heath waters – a subject she has made her own… Davies has a mischievous sense of humour and an appreciation of social history and knowledge of local affairs which makes for compulsive reading. And viewing too, as there are lavish illustrations of archive photographs, paintings from Constable onwards, newspaper cuttings, advertisements – including a fine array of vintage bathing suits – and other ephemera.
– Ham & High