#friarpark

George photographed on the 12th June, 1978 at Friar Park / Friar Park Studios, Henley On Thames. 

Photos of Maureen with Zak, Jason and Lee and Kumar Shankar in the top photo (Ravi's nephew) dated as being taken on 23rd May, 1977, in the gardens of Friar Park. 

The widow of Beatle George Harrison has won planning permission to build an archive at the home they shared for 30 years. 

Olivia Harrison will remove temporary storage and utility units at Friar Park and erect new buildings after being given consent by South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority. 

The development will nclude an archive building for the storage of family papers and objects which are currently stored in “unsuitable conditions” in various places around the estate. 

The building would measure 20m by 8m and include accommodation for an archivist. 

The council said the development would preserve the character and appearance of the Henley conservation area and the setting of the Grade II listed building and would not detract from the living conditions of adjoining residents nor be prejudicial to highway safety.

I once knew a beautiful girl That had long blond hair and a curl She looked after me and I looked before her At that time we hadn't a care 

As time turned my head and my mind The pleasure seemed harder to find By then it was such that I knew far too much So I stay home and slowly unwind 

I go for a walk in the shed And check out the paint and the lead But it's always the change that it gives me a pain So I go home and I go back to bed 

And I look at the window and see Look at the window and see I look at the window and see But I get the feeling it doesn't see me.

[George, excerpt from Window Window, an unreleased/unrecorded song from the Phil Spector/All Things Must Pass demos, 1970]

An alternate shot from the All Things Must Pass photoshoot, 1970. 

“Since that time thoughts about the planning of the site have evolved, particularly in the way that the garden landscaping might be resolved in this area, which impacts on the layout of the proposed and consented buildings. “There is now a strong desire to reconnect lost garden routes and to remove a proliferation of later access roads and hard-standing areas, especially closer to the historic buildings. “For this to be achieved, a revised layout is required but one which also seeks to preserve as much of the historic garden structure as well as the presently protected trees.” 

From a newly submitted planning application for Friar Park to build new buildings on the land to house an archive for Friar Park. More details in the Henley Standard, 5th December 2016.

I would love to be Friar Park’s archivist. That would be my dream job! 

Also, a while ago it was said that Friar Park would be sold, and I think it was up for sale at one point. I’m so glad Olivia decided against selling it. Friar Park is synonymous with George. It should always belong to his family.