Tonbridge Daily Photo

Tonbridge Daily Photo #393 - Sunset over Penshurst

The skies were on fire over Penshurst in probably the most stunning sunset I've ever seen.

Tonbridge Daily Photo

Tonbridge Daily Photo #277 - Corn and Camomile

Many of the fields surrounding the town are now sprinkled or edged with camomile flowers. I came across this one between Tonbridge and Penshurst. Sadly the photo nor my photographic skills don't do
the view justice, so get out and walk through the countryside and you'll find these beautiful scenes for yourself.

Rainbow in Penshurst

If I were a professional photographer with all the correct lenses and equipment I probably would have captured a clearer rainbow in the water fountain at Penshurst Place.  All the same it is there if you look very closely.

Nick Hebditch - Tonbridge Open Studio

Every year, during the South East Open Studio time I make the effort to visit Tonbridge artist Nick Hebditch at his home in Deakin Leas, and every year I am not disappointed, but thrilled that I have once again had the opportunity to view, not only some of Nick's older work, but his latest pieces too, and to make a fuss of his two well-behaved Scotties.

Nick's fascination with architecture and buildings is reflected in his work and he has painted everything from weathered walls or doorways, to the wider views of several buildings through to cityscapes. This interest has drawn him to the beauty of Venice, Paris, Barcelona and the South of France. These places, transformed into colour, cover the walls as you journey from country to country through the house. However, amongst all his work I recognised the unmistakable architecture of the Bailey & Cogger building that stands in the north end of our very own High Street.

Nick's recent interest is in landscapes and I really enjoyed his painting of the purple lavender fields and the moody autumnal countryside of Penshurst.

There are only three more days to view the collection as the Open Studios close on Sunday for this year. I thoroughly recommend a visit ... it's really worth the trip and Nick will be on hand to give you a friendly welcome. No appointment is needed. Opening times and directions are set out in the link http://www.seos-art.org/artists/nickhebditch/

Tonbridge Daily Snippet

The Straight Mile dug in 1830's, by a workforce of around 100 men, was an attempt to straighten the River Medway to make it suitable for boat navigation. The idea was to enable barges with cargoes of valuable timber to travel from Penshurst to Tonbridge. It became a failed enterprise and was never filled with water.

Evidence of the disused and overgrown canal can still be seen leading to Haysden Water and in part is now used as a bridleway.