Lakwena Maciver exhibited an installation at The Artist’s Garden when it opened in 2021.
She said: “I was the first ever artist to exhibit here and it was a takeover of the whole roof terrace with a tiled mosaic.
“For me it was about a return to public space post-lockdown.
“It’s just really important to have places that are open access that anyone can come to that you don’t have to pay for or book – it’s really important that we keep these types of spaces.”
Visitors to the sculpture garden told BBC London it was a “gorgeous” place to visit in the capital.
One woman said: It’s wonderful to have it in the heart of the city, surrounded by buildings and the river. Just to have this immersive art space, it’s great.”
Another added: “It’s a nice, peaceful place to come, just in the middle of the city. It’s just beautiful and there’s loads of seating. It’s just gorgeous.”
Lisa Vandy, who has exhibited two sculptures in the garden, said the site promoted visibility.
“I don’t remember in my childhood ever seeing someone like me or their work, so it’s [about] visibility, it’s cultural importance, it’s educational importance. This really has to stay here.”