"The Pleasure Gardens"

I’m working on an artist's book about a place near my house, a big wooded area near a disused ferry port. In the 1800’s most of the woods were known as “The Pleasure Gardens” and they were landscaped with flowers, fountains and ornamental trees. In the woods there was also a zoo with lions, monkeys, antelope and bears, there was also a ballrooms, lake, rollercoaster bandstand, stage and a water slide. Although the woods no longer have the same use, there is a bear pit and a fountain still standing, and the tea rooms have been refurbished and are still used. I’m basing my artist’s book on the past and present of this place. 

Here is the illustration of a lion I've been working on today, it's still not finished, but it's getting there.