Sevenoaks Town Council recently commissioned Antique Bronze to carry out specialist cleaning and restoration works to the Vine War Memorial on Dartford Road, helping to preserve the important historical monument.
Sculpted by Arthur George Walker RA, the Grade II listed memorial features a bronze figure of a soldier mounted on a granite base with relief panels on the north- and south-facing sides. The base and the pedestal beneath it bear the names of 226 local men who lost their lives from 1914 to 1918. The memorial was originally unveiled on 29 October 1920, when thousands of people came to the Vine to pay tribute.
Following an extensive planning process, the restoration began in September. The majority of the work has now been completed, with some repainting of the lettering to be finished soon.
The specialist treatment included surface cleaning, corrosion reduction, repatination, application of a protective coating and final finishing of the bronze. The patination solution was carefully mixed to match the finish of Arthur G. Walker’s Florence Nightingale statue in Waterloo Place.
Lucy Branch, Director at Antique Bronze, said, “The surface is now stable and representative of the artist’s intended finish. Many members of the public stopped to say how much they appreciated the work and valued the sculpture.”
The Vine War Memorial is looking fantastic and will be ready to take centre stage at Sevenoaks’ Remembrance Service and Parade on Sunday 8 November.
The Mayor of Sevenoaks, Cllr Victoria Granville, commented, “The Sevenoaks War Memorial holds a cherished place in our community, honouring the courage, service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces. This autumn’s restoration has preserved the monument for future generations, ensuring that our community will continue to gather there for our annual Remembrance Sunday commemorations. Throughout the year, the memorial stands as a lasting expression of our gratitude to those who serve and have served.”
Cllr Richard Streatfeild MBE, Kent County Councillor for Sevenoaks Town, contributed towards the restoration from his member allowance. He said, “I am delighted by the quality of the restoration of the War Memorial. It is a privilege to be in a position to contribute to one of the most important monuments in Sevenoaks. One that symbolises our freedom and the sacrifice that was made for it.”
The Town Council is currently collecting knitted poppy donations for a display at The Vine. Anyone who would like to donate knitted poppies can drop them off at the Town Council Offices on Bradbourne Vale Road by Monday 2 November.
