As most people who have visited Hungerford Arcade will know, we have a marvellous cafe on the top floor called Rafters.  Recently it closed for two days to allow some cosmetic changes to be made, such as a lick of paint, a new carpet and all new gingham tablecloths and curtains.  These simple changes really transformed the whole place and gave it a fresh but traditional feel.  The food and drinks remain outstanding and you will always be greeted with a smile.  Open from 10am throughout the week.

The People’s Republic of China Flag

It is always fascinating to hear what people do in their lives, whether it is their work, hobbies or helping other people through their charity work.  The Women’s Institute is known the world over for the wonderful work they do helping others. One of the main aims of the WI is education and at Chilton Foliat they have two annual bursaries of £100 to help towards any full member taking part in a course at Denman College.They also hold some very interesting talks with guest speakers such as Samantha who gave a personal account of China as a home country.

Chilton Foliat WI

China Night

If you were in the vicinity of the village hall on the night of 12th November, you may well have thought you had travelled to foreign lands. The WI members staged a magnificent International night when they celebrated China. Flags flew outside and inside the hall was decorated with an amazing array of memorabilia, art work, industrial information and of course delicious food!

Chilton Foliat resident, Samantha giving a personal account of China as a home country

Samantha’s beautiful children in Chinese national dress

Village resident Samantha gave a wonderful and very frank personal account of China as a home country. We were told about the history of the country and how over the decades the governing bodies changed from individual countries to the great power it is today. Samantha was a wonderful speaker and we are so very grateful to her for spending the time with us. However she wasn’t alone as her two delightful children completely stole the show being dressed in traditional costume from head to toe and looking fantastic.

Our supper was a mix of Dim Sum and crackers, sweet meats and traditional China tea served in the most beautiful teapots I’m sure it made it taste that much better!

Click on the Photo Album page for a slideshow of photos.

The Diary of events for 2016 will be available mid December and you can obtain a copy by contacting the secretary by emailing womens.institute@chiltonfoliat.com or telephoning 01488 681334.

The new WI page in the Chilton Foliat web site will be up and running by the new year so all information about our group will be there for you to browse.

Hungerford Arcade adorned with Christmas Trees

Despite the wind and the rain, a great crowd turned out for the switching on of the Hungerford Town Christmas lights. On the Town Hall steps, the Band played and choirs from several schools sang out.  The atmosphere was fantastic with children eagerly waiting for the great switch-on.  Local boy, Charlie Austin, QPR striker flicked the switch at precisely 6.00 p.m to great cheers of delight from everyone.

Very sad when they had no electricity

Kate and Lou Thomas (The Hogfather) were all set-up for their great hog roast except for one thing… their generator had stopped working.  But fear not, Adrian Gilmour, co-owner of Hungerford Arcade, came to the rescue and ran the power line into the Arcade and supplied the electricity for the Hogfather to get roasting.

Kate and Lou – very happy with Hungerford Arcade electricity

As you can see, Kate and Lou were so happy that they could carry on roasting, they have now become friends of the Arcade.

The people of France

Hungerford Arcade owners, managers, staff and stallholders send our sincere condolences to you all for the atrocities brought upon Paris on Friday night.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Hungerford Arcade is very proud to show you more of the vintage Military Vehicles from last week’s show where they raised lots of money for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appreal.

Thank you to June and Gary Crook for organising this very important event and for all the members who came along in their wonderful vehicles.

Our good friend, Roy Parr with his superb Willis Jeep

The very heavy rifle in original mount in Roy Parr’s Willis Jeep

George Ralph’s British Army vehicle made by the Austin Motor Company and has a Rolls Royce engine (See the document alongside this picture). The army version was officially known as “Truck, 1/4 ton, CT, 4×4, Cargo & FFW, Austin Mk.1” however the civilian name “Champ” was universally, if unofficially, applied to it. Fabulous vehicle.

History of George Ralph’s Austin Champ

4 year old Jessica with her dad, Richard. Both are having a wonderful time in Chris’ Jeep

Thought I would take a picture of June on her own, but can you see what husband Gary is doing from the driver’s seat? He’s a cheeky chappy!

Lovely June Crook with her beloved Land Rover. Husband, Gary sitting inside posing with his Action Man!

Ashley Simpkins with his amazing Pinzgauer Troop Carrier

Paul McLean is from the Nuclear Monitory Post at Great Bedwyn. Built in 1925, it was originally for the Royal Observers Corps and was in use up until the 1990’s. Paul said they do field trips where you can go downstairs and see and feel what it must have been like during war time. You can get details on line at the Royal Observer Corps. Gary and June Crook are strong corps members.

Stunning Willis Jeep in desert colours

Hungerford Arcade, as our regular readers know, have a wonderful people come in and some have amazing stories.  Bill Jackman is one of those people.  He has an amazing collection of solid silver miniature chairs and kindly sent us this article which I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

ANTIQUE SILVER CHAIRS IN MINIATURE

Research has shown that silver miniature chairs, along with many other silver miniatures items, were made in abundance in Amsterdam (The Netherlands), from 1725-75.
The first dolls’ house was introduced into Holland from Germany in the 17th century and this accelerated the demand of silver chairs to furnish these small masterpieces of craftsmanship.
The main customers were the wealthy ladies of Dutch families and there was great rivalry to furnish their dolls’ house with the best silver furniture and equipment.

Large dolls’ houses had 12 rooms and all of which required at least one silver chair.
The production of silver toys in Amsterdam increased to satisfy the request internal and from abroad. The export of silver miniatures from the Netherlands continues today, though the numbers of silversmiths have vastly decreased.
 

A pair of 18th century Dutch, hand made silver chairs. Height 65mm, weight 26g each (Author’s collection). There are no hallmarks or import marks. This pair of chairs has double stretchers fitted to the undersides. This is a rare feature present on early chairs from Holland. Pictures of this type of chairs can be found in the book “Netherland Silver Miniatures of 17th and 18th century” by John Endlick. Text is in Dutch but the book is illustrated with many pictures of chairs.

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An 18th century, silver, handmade, Dutch four ladder back chair with double stretchers. Height 73mm, Weight 38g. London import mark 1896 by David Bridge. Maker’s marks have been erased (Author’s collection)	.	A selection of silver chairs in various sizes. The tallest is a ‘pin cushion’ chair by W.Cummings, 1902. Height 150mm, Weight 100g. The smallest chair is 18 mm high (Author’s collection). All the chairs bear the original owner’s name, registration number, hallmark and maker’s mark. Prices for rare chairs like these are rising fast.

Four special chairs (from left to right) – Lord Alfred Tennyson by Levi & Salaman (1910) – Edward II Coronation Chair (maker CD, 1901) – Nelson’s chair (maker Levi & Salaman, 1910) – Charles Dickens chair (maker Levi & Salaman, 1910) (Author’s collection)

The majority of silver chairs manufactured in the Netherlands were 60-70 mm in height. Yet a few examples were only 40 mm tall.  Owing to the narrow gauge of the metal most of the Dutch chairs do not bears hallmark or maker’s mark or are left unmarked to avoid damages to the artifact.

Dutch chairs exported to the UK bear full sets of British silver import marks. This type of hallmarking has been mandatory since 1867 and continues to be requested in present days.  In 1904 the familiar “F” mark used (1867-1904) in imported wares was discontinued and replaced by the use of a new set of Assay Office town marks.

Sometimes, misunderstanding the meaning of the import mark, less experienced dealers date the manufacture of a piece by the corresponding date-letter of the import mark. It may be happen that very old Dutch silver chairs, bearing only British hallmarking, are traded as artifacts made in the UK in the mid or late 20th century.

Ancient handmade Dutch silver chairs are easily recognised by their irregular workmanship. Usually, the ladder back supports do not match up as they have been hand cut and soldered in place.

In present days silver chairs are still manufactured in Holland by skilled workers, but, unfortunately, no new design is produced and most of the output is a mere replica the models of the past. This is a pity, as today production presents high levels of workmanship.

Silver chairs were made in Germany, mainly in Hanau, producing items of exquisite designs. Most of Hanau chairs carry an assortment of pseudo-hallmarks. These chairs are usually of fine quality, though many of them have been mass produced and stamped out by machine.  Miniature chairs have been produced also in other countries, most of them with no hallmarks or makers marks.  Some of the larger ones have been adapted as menu holders.

Most of the chairs in my collection, are, as far as I am aware, made of Sterling silver, except some of them which are of the lower 800/1000 silver fineness.

Two fine examples of German chairs and their marks.
Height 65mm, Weight 28 g each
 

Silver chair made in China in 1905 by Sing Fat and its mark.
Height 48mm, Weight 20 g each,

Silver chairs can be purchased on eBay, in antique fairs and, sometimes, in antique shops.
Good quality chairs are hard to find and expensive. Some of these early chairs can be found at Sotheby’s.

The majority of Dutch and German silver chairs appear to have woven hemp seating, though simulated leather seating are frequent.
 

A Dutch silver miniature of a tradesman weaving the seat on a chair with flax covering

Two spectacular Hanau silver armchairs, possibly mid 19th century. They are stamped with nude nymphs and elegant figures of ladies and gentlemen dressed in 18th century clothes. This was a very common feature on decoration of German silver miniatures.
Height 75mm, Weight 30 g each

A modern set of matching chairs and table with a cat on a chair looking greedily at fishes on the table. On the right hand leg can be seen a kitten playing with a ball. The silver has been anodised to give a gold effect.

The set has British hallmarks, maker’s initials SJR (possibly S.J. Rose & Son), Birmingham 1973. Total weight 100 g.

Two large silver chairs fitted with red velvet cushions, so they can be used as pin cushions.
The chair on the left was made by W. Cummins, 1902 and that on the right was made by J & W Deakin, Chester 1902. Their weigh is 100 g. each.

A selection of Dutch ladder back chairs c. 18-19th century. It is easy to see the irregularities in these handmade artifacts. Some of them bear hallmarks.

An anodised silver throne, known in Italy as “Savonarola chair”. A recent author’s acquisition

Four chairs from a set of six all with leather seats and back rests, with silver tassels front and sides. The country and maker are unknown. The style has been credited as being Art Nouveau, early 20th century.

In conclusion may I say that collecting silver chairs and miniatures is a fascinating and profitable hobby.

Bill Jackman

Just a reminder that the Model Steam Engine Show will be taking place next Sunday, 15th November from 10.00 to 3.00 pm.  This very popular event is always a great family day out – if the ‘Gods’ are good to us and it doesn’t rain.  If it is raining, unfortunately, the show will not take place.  So, fingers crossed for a nice dry day!