The Ponds

A year with the swimmers in the healing waters of Hampstead Heath, London

Patrick McLennan

In a world of constant flux and chaos, it’s almost a shock to discover some experiences remain unchanged, natural, primitive even. In the middle of London lies Hampstead Heath, 320 hectares of forest, parkland and wildlife, plus three swimming ponds. People take the waters in them all year round, just as they did in the time of Keats and Constable.

Patrick McLennan

Capturing all the beauty of the English seasons, Patrick McLennan and Samuel Smith filmed the swimmers over 12 months as they shivered, laughed, complained, ruminated, philosophised or simply sought respite from all that life threw at them. The Ponds is a heart-warming celebration of eccentricity and sheer bloody-mindedness as these unusual people, united by a shared passion, meet to take on whatever the weather… and life… throws at them.

Patrick McLennan

The Ponds is on very limited release, but will be at cinemas around the UK in early 2019. Find out more from The Ponds website.

THE PONDS (Still Waters Run Deep) – Official Trailer from Laser Guided Productions on Vimeo.

Patrick McLennan