Recognising Tonbridge Recognised

Two readers recognised where this week's Recognising Tonbridge was situated.  The close up of the gold painted grapes is part of the decorative vine that forms the wrought iron railings outside Hanover House, opposite Tonbridge School.

 

The grape vine has been used as a symbol since ancient times and is found frequently in the decorative arts, including metal work, of the early 20th century.  I can't fix a date on these railings although the style is of a mixture of Art Deco and Art Noveau, and I have been unable to find any record of their installation.

The majority of the iron railings in the town were removed during World War II, hacked off with only their stumps remaining. These were to be melted down to help the war effort.  Sadly the reality was that the metal could not be reused, and often their fate was to be dumped at sea.  However, some railings survived and it is possible that this decorative railing is one of them, or it could be a post war addition.  Any information on the railings is welcomed.

Hanover House Tonbridge - Grade II Listed - 19thC House with 17thC fragment