‘Sanctuary’ (2022), by DJ, writer and broadcaster, Zakia Sewell. A Chiswick House & Gardens newly commissioned radio broadcast as part of Grow FM.

About ‘Sanctuary’

Zakia Sewell took inspiration from a family member’s own challenges with mental health, as well as Chiswick House’s past life as a progressive 19th-Century asylum, established by the Tuke Brothers, the Victorian residents of Chiswick House, whose radical approach to mental health centred exchange and dialogue as a means of connecting with their patients.

In her audio artwork, Sewell uncovers the lesser-known history of Chiswick House & Gardens while sharing her appreciation of our green oasis in the midst of urban West London. The work continuously nods to the sonic identity of Hounslow, through the passing aeroplanes and the gentle hum of wildlife. 

In this Chiswick House & Gardens commission, produced specifically for Grow FM, Sewell creates both a sense of wonder and drama, whilst also reminding us of the thread of retreat, solace and sanctum which has run through the life of the site since its inception by Lord Burlington. The audio artwork whisks us through various layers of time, from the present-day natural environment recorded at Chiswick House & Gardens, to readings of letters of residents during the House’s life as an asylum. 

While revealing uncomfortable narratives and giving voice to unheard stories, Sewell’s piece offers a transient and meditative space to think about what community means to you. By juxtaposing anecdotal personal stories from past patients to some of our current volunteer gardeners, ‘Sanctuary’ allows us to contemplate the varying experiences of the Chiswick House & Gardens community. 

Listen to Sanctuary:

Zakia Sewell said:

Having grown up in Hounslow I have a strong connections with the Borough but hadn’t fully appreciated the fascinating history of Chiswick House as an asylum. In my sound piece, which is currently being aired on the Grow FM radio station, I have been exploring notions of sanctuary, which weaves through the different chapters of the House’s history. I hope to evoke feelings of tranquility and peace, while uncovering the lesser-known stories that emerge from the house.

About Zakia Sewell

Zakia Sewell is a broadcaster, writer and DJ from London with a passion for music, arts, mental healthand history. She produces and presents radio documentaries and podcasts for platforms including BBC Radio 4, BBC World Service, Tate, and Boiler Room, covering varied topics, from British folk culture to her mother’s experience of schizophrenia. She was the recipient of the silver award for ‘Best New Voice’ at the Audio Production Awards in 2021. zakiaswell.co.uk / @zzzakia

Project Credits:

Curator / Producers: Yinka Danmole and Tadeo Lopez-Sendon  

Audio Mastering: Harry Murdoch

Interviewees: Volunteer Gardeners, Tessa Kilgarriff and Cluny Wells. 

Acknowledgements:

The Grow FM programme was generously supported and funded by the Hounslow Summer of Culture, Linbury Trust and Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

We would also like to thank our Patrons, friends of Chiswick House and Members whose donations and contributions made this work possible.