Friar Park x Niwaki: the background
1890 › 1970 › 2026
Built in the 1890s by an eccentric and presumably very successful lawyer, for almost 150 years the neo-Gothic house at Friar Park and the gardens that surround it have enchanted all those lucky enough to experience them.
Originally a weekend retreat for Sir Frank Crisp and his family, its whimsical details include a scaled-down replica of the Matterhorn surrounded by rare alpine plants, navigable flooded grottoes and more gnomes than most gardeners would deem necessary.
But for all the spectacle and playfulness of the original design, there was an earnest commitment to horticulture, paired with the ambition to create what Sir Frank called ‘a museum of gardens’. This would have been apparent to Victorian visitors who chanced upon the Japanese Garden or wandered into the topiarised wonderland of the Dial Garden.
Music fans may recognise the name of the original owner, Sir Frank Crisp, from the George Harrison song ‘Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)’, which features on his 1970 triple album All Things Must Pass. The year of the album’s release, George had taken the keys to Friar Park – by then in a state of disrepair, with the once-fine gardens apparently lost to jungles of weeds and self-seeded trees.
Undeterred, George rolled up his sleeves and spent the next 31 years remodelling and restoring it.
Dhani Harrison grew up keenly aware of his father’s love of gardening, so much so that in his younger days he assumed it must be his profession. Over time, Dhani came to share this passion, and his own particular interest in Japanese culture, bonsai and topiary eventually brought him to Niwaki. Over the last five years, Dhani has been a regular visitor to our Chiltern Street store, becoming friends with the Chiltern team and with Niwaki founder Jake Hobson. Together, Dhani and Jake have spent many pleasant hours discussing Japanese craftsmanship, pruning techniques and the peace that comes from a day in the garden.
This collection is the result of those shared passions, with tools, workwear and accessories more than equal to the exacting demands of maintaining the gardens at Friar Park. And just like in the garden, you might come across a few surprises…
Pre-order now, or cross your fingers and wait until the launch on 12 October 2026. Almost all the items will be available in limited quantities online, with absolutely everything available (while stocks last) at Niwaki’s London and flagship stores, as well as at our 3-day Tokyo launch event (details below).
“For the past 25 years since my father’s passing my mother, Olivia, has been the driving force behind the near complete renovation of the gardens at Friar Park.
She introduced me to Niwaki one year after visiting RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Having a passion for Bonsai and Topiary, I immediately fell in love with the craftsmanship and spirit of Niwaki.”
- Dhani Harrison
“It’s a huge privilege to be a part of any gardener’s story, but Dhani’s commitment to maintaining the extraordinary landscape at Friar Park, with our tools no less, makes this project a rare treat for Niwaki. The legacy of this space reveals the essence of how gardening rewards and nourishes those of us who become obsessed with it.”
- Jake Hobson
THE GARDENS
FOR VIPs (VERY IMPORTANT PRUNERS)
Friar Park x Niwaki Meditation Jacket
Find peace in the garden in the Meditation Jacket. Dhani knew exactly what he wanted: long, loose and slightly monkish, taking a standard-issue Niwaki Kojima Jacket as the starting point and going wild with the design to create the sartorial highlight of this collection. The oversized hood helps block out distractions to help you clear your mind (and keep the rain off). Two large patch pockets give you somewhere to stash the pruners while you’re enjoying a quiet moment to yourself, and an embroidered Japanese maple leaf patch stands out against the 12 oz Akamimi Japanese denim.
Friar Park x Niwaki Collector’s Edition
Home to almost the entire Friar Park x Niwaki collection, this Friar Park x Niwaki Tool Bag contains just about everything you need for a day in the garden – plus a special 7" record to put on once you’ve downed tools. ‘Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)' was George Harrison’s tribute to Sir Frank Crisp, whose spirit lives on throughout Friar Park. We’re calling it the soundtrack to the collection.
Also included are the Friar Park x Niwaki Garden Shears + Karikomi Holster, Hori Hori Pro + Canvas Sheath, Moku Pruning Saw, Higurashi Pruners + Canvas Holster, Cap, Lunch Bag, and a special-edition vinyl record of George Harrison’s ‘Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)', complete with custom artwork.
THE TOOLS
THE GEAR
George Harrison ‘Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let it Roll)’ 7" vinyl
One for the real heads: a highly limited edition pressing with ‘Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let it Roll)’ on the A-side and ‘Crackerbox Palace’ on the B-side – both George Harrison songs, re-released for the Friar Park x Niwaki collaboration via Dark Horse Records.
Sorry, this item was an in-store exclusive and has now sold out.
Limited edition in-store exclusive
Friar Park x Niwaki Kojima Jacket
Woven on traditional shuttle looms in Okayama, the heartland of Japanese denim, this Work Jacket is made from our original 12 oz Akamimi selvedge denim with 2% stretch for added movement. Loose fitting, with a kimono-style collar and two double-lined pockets, it has everything you’d want in a practical, hard-wearing jacket – with the addition of an embroidered Japanese Maple leaf, one of Dhani’s favourite trees and a key feature of the Japanese garden at Friar Park. We recommend rolling up the cuffs for an extra pop of matching colour.
STROLL THE GARDENS WITH NIWAKI
Friar Park: the Dial Garden presents a different view from every angle
Friar Park: the Dial Garden
Jake Hobson carries a Niwaki Tripod Ladder to the next job
Friar Park: Torii Gate
Dhani Harrison in the Japanese Garden at Friar Park
Friar Park: a path through the pines and moss in the Japanese Garden
One of several Japanese bridges in the Japanese Garden
Dhani tends to a Chinese Elm Bonsai in the Japanese Garden
Bridge to the Chinese Elm Bonsai in the Japanese Garden
At the edge of the Japanese Garden
Luscious ferns along the water’s edge
Until next time…