Antiques of the month with Ross Mercer of Gorringes

By Sarah Sturt on May 3rd 2011

Antique of the monthEnlarge this image

 

This month we take a close look at the Southern African knobkerrie. The name originates from the Afrikaans word ‘knop’, meaning knot or ball and the word ‘kierie’, meaning cane or walking stick. The knobkerrie is essentially the weapon of choice for many tribes in East and Southern Africa and is used primarily as a close quarter weapon in times of war, as well as an effective hunting weapon. However, I’m pleased to report that nowadays they are collected as ethnic works of art. The knobkerrie pictured is one of the finest examples seen in recent years and would likely to have been made for a tribal chief. Fashioned from a single rhinoceros horn and very carefully shaped, this example dates from the end of the 19th century and attracted competitive bidding from collectors all over 
the world, fetching 
£22,000 at Gorringes.

 

This month we take a close look at the Southern African knobkerrie.

 The name originates from the Afrikaans word ‘knop’, meaning knot or ball and the word ‘kierie’, meaning cane or walking stick. The knobkerrie is essentially the weapon of choice for many tribes in East and Southern Africa and is used primarily as a close quarter weapon in times of war, as well as an effective hunting weapon.

However, I’m pleased to report that nowadays they are collected as ethnic works of art. The knobkerrie pictured is one of the finest examples seen in recent years and would likely to have been made for a tribal chief. Fashioned from a single rhinoceros horn and very carefully shaped, this example dates from the end of the 19th century and attracted competitive bidding from collectors all over the world, fetching £22,000 at Gorringes.

Adventures in watercoloursEnlarge this image

 

The May Open Weekend at the Edenbridge Galleries will see a book launch and exhibition by artist Jenny Wheatley, who lived for many years in Kent, to celebrate the publication of Adventurous Watercolours. 
Visitors will be able to see some of the paintings featured in the book, Jenny’s first, in which she discusses her travels to India and the Far East. There will also be a collection of 
new oils and watercolours. 
• The exhibition and book launch take place during the Galleries’ May Open Weekend on 7 May, 10am-7pm and 
on 8 May, 10am-5pm. 
For further details, contact The Edenbridge Galleries %01732 864163

 

Adventures in watercolours   

The May Open Weekend at the Edenbridge Galleries will see a book launch and exhibition by artist Jenny Wheatley, who lived for many years in Kent, to celebrate the publication of Adventurous Watercolours. Visitors will be able to see some of the paintings featured in the book, Jenny’s first, in which she discusses her travels to India and the Far East. There will also be a collection of new oils and watercolours. 

• The exhibition and book launch take place during the Galleries’ May Open Weekend on 7 May, 10am-7pm and on 8 May, 10am-5pm. 

For further details, contact The Edenbridge Galleries 01732 864163

Kent artist Mariusz KaldowskiEnlarge this image

 

Kent artist Mariusz Kaldowski is exhibiting his paintings of the most stunning National Trust places at the Orangery at Knole, Sevenoaks. The Beauty of the National Trust is a selling exhibition of some two dozen views of Knole and its neighbouring National Trust properties in the south east.
Kaldowski, based in Westerham, makes sketches and takes photos of the National Trust places he visits, then paints the image on to canvas. 
• The free exhibition is open daily (except Mon),17 May-12 June, 10:30am-5pm. For more information please contact marketing manager Jane Maltby %01732 462100 

 

Take home the beauty 

Kent artist Mariusz Kaldowski is exhibiting his paintings of the most stunning National Trust places at the Orangery at Knole, Sevenoaks. The Beauty of the National Trust is a selling exhibition of some two dozen views of Knole and its neighbouring National Trust properties in the south east.Kaldowski, based in Westerham, makes sketches and takes photos of the National Trust places he visits, then paints the image on to canvas.

 • The free exhibition is open daily (except Mon),17 May-12 June, 10:30am-5pm. For more information please contact marketing manager Jane Maltby 01732 462100 

Word IncarnateEnlarge this image

 

Holy Trinity was the first parish church of Tunbridge Wells, designed in fine Gothic style by Decimus Burton. The last religious service was held in 1972 and two years later the church was declared ‘redundant to pastoral needs’ and its demolition was planned. 
Saved by petitions raised by local residents, it became an Arts Centre and opened its doors in 1982.
Nearly 20 years later, Trinity looks back to its roots with Word Incarnate, an exhibition exploring the concept of incarnation.  
Featuring works by Kent artist Jess Levine and Karen Gardner, it includes works in mixed media and is accompanied by a free workshop, run by the artists. To reserve a space ) anna.mcnay@gmail.com.
• Word Incarnate takes place from 24 May-1 June at Trinity Arts Centre, Church Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1JP. Private View: 
25 May, 5.30-7.30pm, Workshop: 30 May, 2-4pm. For further information, %01892 678 678

 

Word Incarnate 

Holy Trinity was the first parish church of Tunbridge Wells, designed in fine Gothic style by Decimus Burton. The last religious service was held in 1972 and two years later the church was declared ‘redundant to pastoral needs’ and its demolition was planned. Saved by petitions raised by local residents, it became an Arts Centre and opened its doors in 1982.Nearly 20 years later, Trinity looks back to its roots with Word Incarnate, an exhibition exploring the concept of incarnation.  Featuring works by Kent artist Jess Levine and Karen Gardner, it includes works in mixed media and is accompanied by a free workshop, run by the artists. To reserve a space ) anna.mcnay@gmail.com.

• Word Incarnate takes place from 24 May-1 June at Trinity Arts Centre, Church Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1JP. Private View: 25 May, 5.30-7.30pm, Workshop: 30 May, 2-4pm. For further information, 01892 678 678

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This article was brought to you by Kent Life

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