A PAIR OF ANTIQUE CAST IRON PARK BENCHES DATING FROM 1843. The benches originate from Blackgang Chine pleasure park and gardens on the Isle of Wight (chine means costal ravine). The park was the brain child of Nottingham lace maker Alexander Dabell and opened in1843. It was an instant success with the early Victorian public and it has been in constant operation ever since, making it the oldest amusement pleasure park and gardens in the UK.
DESIGN. The design is inspired by the Rococo movement of the the mid 18th century.
FRAMES. The frames have been professionally sand blasted back to bare metal to strip away generations of over paint. They have been given a coat of rust preventing primer, followed with two coats of black satin enamel.
TIMBER. The woodwork is sustainably sourced mahogany and has been treated with three coats of OSMO exterior wood preservative, which guards against UV damage and mould, algae, fungal and insect attack. The edges of the slats have been routed to provide rounded profiles.
FIXINGS. The fixings are new, colour co-ordinated, stainless steel coach bolts.
BRACINGS. The bracings are also colour co-ordinated and newly fabricated. The ends are braced to the underside of the seat to prevent any lateral movement and the seat is braced to prevent any sagging, twisting or warping.
DIMENSIONS. 130cm wide x 84cm high x 60cm deep. The seat height is 43cm. The benches are extremely heavy and require two persons to lift and move.
I'd prefer to sell the benches as a pair, but will consider selling them individually at the right price. The benches are dry stored.
Regretfully the benches are for collection only (from the NG17 postal district). Many thanks for your interest and please don't hesitate to contact me should you require further information.