Highgate Cemetery is undergoing a major renovation project aimed at restoring distant vistas of the London skyline, removing self seeded and diseased trees, and managing the “romantic decay” that has become an impenetrable jungle in places. It’s a major landscaping exercise costing some £18m. Work started in November 2025. It will build on the original rescue work carried out by volunteers in the 1970s and 1980s. This was focused on removing ivy and self seeded saplings, and reopening paths that had been lost for years.
Our Sidmouth Photographic Club visit there a few weeks ago was the perfect opportunity to see the cemetery before the latest project gets properly under way. The weather was dull and lacking in contrast and shadows that would have brought out the details in the structures of the necropolis in the West Cemetery. However this helped in the wooded areas to avoid a confusion of shadows and shapes. Overall it was probably better for photography than a bright sunny day.
A visit to Highgate Cemetery wouldn’t be complete without a photograph of Karl Marx’ grave and memorial. I hope mine is different!
Mike Hawkridge Photography 
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