Administrative/Biographical History

Kenwood Ladies' Pond Association (KLPA) is a voluntary organisation of women who care about the Ladies' pond on Hampstead Heath. It was formerly known as the Association of the Users of Kenwood Ladies Pond of Women and had early links with the Kenwood Regulars Club.

KLPA's priority is to preserve the pond with its peaceful, natural qualities and to maintain it as a women’s swimming place. The group also aims to provide information and encourage women to enjoy the pond. KLPA regularly organises events at the Ladies Pond, such as New Year's Day swims, and special swims on seasonal equinox days.

The KLPA is involved in campaigns to prevent the closure of Ponds and is publicly against compulsory charges to use the ponds. It also campaigns against proposals to restrict the Pond's opening and closing times. In 2016 the group responded to the closure of the Ponds due to the rebuilding of the dams by knitting a 200-foot scarf to encircle the old hut and meadow.

Several publications and dissertations have been written on the history of the KLPA and the Ladies' Pond at Hampstead Heath. Additionally, in 2015 an exhibition of swimmers' artwork was shown at Kenwood House.

The group continues to function as an independent body and offers membership to the association. Officer and committee positions are voluntary and are annually selected at the KLPA's AGM.

Scope and Content

Papers of Kenwood Ladies' Pond Association (KLPA), including: press cuttings, articles and papers regarding Kenwood Ladies’ Pond Association, Hampstead Heath and outdoor swimming, 1989-2018; papers and correspondence regarding the business and administration of Kenwood Ladies’ Pond Association (KLPA) (previously known as the Association of the Users of Kenwood Ladies Pond of Women), 1988-2017; photographs and audio-visual material regarding Kenwood Ladies' Pond Association (KLPA) and the ponds at Hampstead Heath, 1903-2016; and printed material, artwork and other items relating to Kenwood Ladies’ Pond Association (KLPA), outdoor swimming, and the ponds on Hampstead Heath, 1987-2019. (1903-2019)

Extent

7 boxes, 14 oversized items, 11 .avi, 5 .vob & 2 .ifo, 13 .pdf and 3. Jpg