Tunbridge Ware at Amherst Antiques

Object of the Month July 2010

We are pleased to present our first Object of the Month, which is a rare example of Tunbridge Ware attributed to Thomas Barton.

This fine octagonal basket is of an exceptionally large size, measuring some 17" x 13½". The swing handle is ¾" wide and has large stickware supports approximately 1¼" high.

Unusually the sides of the basket are strung with thread, which we have been reliably informed by our supplier, was done as an accurate replacement. The rim of the basket is decorated with eight quasi-geometric motifs, each 3" wide.

The base of the basket has the view of Eridge Castle with figures in the foreground, attributed to Thomas Barton and with a tree to the left. This tree (but facing the other way) appears on some versions of Barton's famous view of Battle Abbey Gatehouse.

Eridge Castle has been set in a foreground of oak, which in places appears green and was obviously taken from timber attacked by the fungus, Chlorosplenium Aeruginascens.
Circa 1870.

We have never before seen a basket of these dimensions or proportions and wonder if it were specially commissioned. Indeed it is an especially fine piece of Tunbridge Ware.

Price Guide F SOLD

For more information please email.

Click images for a larger pictures

The Edenbridge Galleries Gift Vouchers

We are pleased to let you know that The Edenbridge Galleries are now offering gift vouchers, which can be exchanged at The Galleries for the purchase or part purchase of goods.

So if you are hoping to buy Tunbridge Ware as a gift and are unsure which piece to buy, this might be the answer!

Click image for a larger picture of an Edenbridge Galleries Gift Voucher.

Your visit to The Edenbridge Galleries

You will always be made most welcome at the Gallery, where in addition to the Tunbridge Ware you will be able to view the stock of other specialist dealers, all of whom are members of the prestigious British Antique Dealers' Association (BADA) or LAPADA, the Association of Art & Antiques Dealers.

The Gallery will be open six days a week:

9.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday
10.00am - 4.30pm Saturdays
Closed public holidays

Whilst we will not personally be at the Gallery every day, we would be pleased to meet you there by appointment. We will be most happy to show you round and to discuss your Tunbridge Ware.

We can be contacted on the following numbers:
+44 (0)1732 864163 Gallery
+44 (0)1892 725552 Office

By train:

A train service from London Bridge runs at 8 minutes past the hour to Edenbridge Town station, and similarly for the return journey. This takes 37 minutes.

Trains run on the hour from Victoria Station; change at East Croydon to connect to the Edenbridge Town service above.

The Edenbridge Galleries are a 7 minute walk south along the High Street.

By Car:

From the M25, junction 6: follow signs to Oxted/Westerham on the A25; then follow signs to Edenbridge on B2026.

Approaching from the south, Edenbridge is on the B2026, 20 minutes from Tunbridge Wells in Kent and 15 minutes from East Grinstead, Sussex.

Free parking is available throughout the town.

CLICK HERE to view a map of the Gallery location.