People who venture north of the river may be aware of Valentine's House, north of Ilford. The house has recently been renovated with a lottery grant and was the subject of a talk at Walthamstow Local History Society on Thursday evening.
Why should Greenwich historians be interested in a house in Ilford? Well, Valentines House was the home of a Greenwich industrialist, Charles Holcome.
In 1841 Morden College granted a lease on a large site on the Peninsula - 'Further Pitts' - to Charles Holcombe. He acted as a developer, leasing part of the site to a network of other companies.
Holcombe was obviously at least middle aged by the time he invested in the Greenwich sites – it is likely that he had previously been the tenant of Hatcham Manor Farm at New Cross and had operated a chemical works there. By the time he came to Greenwich he had already taken occupation of Valentines Park and his family were local benefactors in the Ilford area. A road alongside Valentine's House is named after him 'Holcombe Road'. Strangely, the adjacent road is 'Bethell Avenue' - and this is unlikely to be a coincidence – does this reflect a connection with Bethell, the most famous of the coal tar distillers of his generation? .
The Greenwich site is shown on the 1843 Greenwich Tithe map as that of Charles Holcombe ‘ house, premises, tar factory, sheds and yard’. When he took over Great and Little Pits Morden College made it quite clear that he must spend at least £300 per acre on improvements.
Initially he applied to the Commissioner of Woods and Forests for an embankment to his wharf and Morden College comments that the permission was ‘accompanied by restrictions of a very unusual and prejudicial character’. What ever that means!
In Greenwich directories his Greenwich works is listed as a 'brass foundry, tar and Asfelt works'. He is also described as a 'refiner of coal tar, spirit, pitch and varnish'.
A footpath is shown from Blackwall Lane to the river – this was soon to be diverted and changed to become Morden Wharf Lane, or Sea Witch Lane, which for many years has been a private road through the glucose refinery. Holcombe then built Morden Wharf - the area which today juts out into the river downstream of the silos. It is not known why he named it this - perhaps he had a special relationship with Morden College, or wanted to curry favour with them. Morden Wharf Road led to a pub – the Sea Witch – also built by Holcombe. He obtained permission to build houses from Morden College who also provided designs and specifications – and riverside cottages by the pub and terraces of houses sprang up on the borders of the area he was leasing. The houses were, inevitably, designed by George Smith the Morden College surveyor.
He later asked Morden College for permission to lay asphalt on the river path. He also asked permission to build a draw dock and complained when permission had been given to someone else to deposit rubbish on the riverside. These activities gradually added to the local amenities and made the area more attractive to other incoming industrialists.
After his death Holcombe's leases on the sites at Morden Wharf and the sub-tenants who occupied them continued in the ownership of his widow and descendents. They were members of the Ingleby family - and it is them are best remembered at Valentine's House.
A web site for the Friends of Valentine's House can be found at http://www.valentines.org.uk/ where there is also a great deal of information about the house and its owners over the centuries. It is a place well worth a visit - a beautiful house in a sensational park.
Thursday, 8 October 2009
Breakfast with Scott-Behind the Menu
Kevin & I joined Scott Nickleson of Behind the Menu for a lovely breakfast & chat at Le Baron's in Nampa. Scott sent me a Tweet the other day asking if I would be interested in joining him for a quick bite & interview, so we settled on a locally owned place in Nampa. It's always interesting meeting someone who you have only talked to online: we had chatted a bit through Twitter & Facebook, but never met in person...
It was fun to chit chat about online networking, Twitter, local businesses, & Behind the Menu; a new website/project Scott is involved with that promotes locally owned restaurants, eateries, & markets in the Treasure Valley: check it out at BehindtheMenu.org. All the twitter talk makes me want to go buy a new phone!!
Anyway, thanks for breakfast Scott: hope to see you at the next TweepUp!
Here is what he had to say....
Amber Conger, artist & sculptor, Refinerii (http://www.Refinerii.com) along with
her business partner and husband, Kevin, met us at Le Baron's Honker
Cafe this morning to discuss their artistic endeavors and to also talk
about one of their favor...ite Nampa restaurants.
Refinery was selected to create "Origin" (http://industrialrevelations.blogspot.com/2009_04_01_archive.html)
which is the centerpeice in the new City of Meridian City Hall. It's a
wonderful piece of art and you are encouraged to go see it. Amber told
of her utilization of her blog to keep the stakeholders updated on the
progress, a very creative use of blogging.
We first became aware
of Refinerii's work through Twitter, another social networking tool, as
she discussed both her art works and her creative jewelry (which we
admit to having acquired a few pieces of). You can find Refinerii on
Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/Refinerii. You can see her etsy shop at http://bit.ly/3Te6W9
where you can see she uses salvaged metals & found
industrial objects and transforms them into one of a kind works of art.
Amber selected Le Baron's Honker Cafe because she enjoys the homey feel and
home cooking available there. We all had great farm style breakfasts.
After we finished our meal, we were able to meet with Ronald Le Baron,
who, along with his son, Ryan, own and operate the cafe. It was
apparent Ronald was very busy finishing up with the breakfast rush and
preparing for the lunch rush, but he was kind enough to spend a little
time with us to discuss his cafe. Ronald covers the morning - noon
shift and Ryan takes it from there - a great father / son team, preparing
affordable home-style fare.
You can find Le Baron's Honker Cafe at 1210 2nd Street South, Nampa, Idaho. The are open from 6:30 am to 8:00 pm.
It was fun to chit chat about online networking, Twitter, local businesses, & Behind the Menu; a new website/project Scott is involved with that promotes locally owned restaurants, eateries, & markets in the Treasure Valley: check it out at BehindtheMenu.org. All the twitter talk makes me want to go buy a new phone!!
Anyway, thanks for breakfast Scott: hope to see you at the next TweepUp!
Here is what he had to say....
Amber Conger, artist & sculptor, Refinerii (http://www.Refinerii.com) along with
her business partner and husband, Kevin, met us at Le Baron's Honker
Cafe this morning to discuss their artistic endeavors and to also talk
about one of their favor...ite Nampa restaurants.
Refinery was selected to create "Origin" (http://industrialrevelations.blogspot.com/2009_04_01_archive.html)
which is the centerpeice in the new City of Meridian City Hall. It's a
wonderful piece of art and you are encouraged to go see it. Amber told
of her utilization of her blog to keep the stakeholders updated on the
progress, a very creative use of blogging.
We first became aware
of Refinerii's work through Twitter, another social networking tool, as
she discussed both her art works and her creative jewelry (which we
admit to having acquired a few pieces of). You can find Refinerii on
Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/Refinerii. You can see her etsy shop at http://bit.ly/3Te6W9
where you can see she uses salvaged metals & found
industrial objects and transforms them into one of a kind works of art.
Amber selected Le Baron's Honker Cafe because she enjoys the homey feel and
home cooking available there. We all had great farm style breakfasts.
After we finished our meal, we were able to meet with Ronald Le Baron,
who, along with his son, Ryan, own and operate the cafe. It was
apparent Ronald was very busy finishing up with the breakfast rush and
preparing for the lunch rush, but he was kind enough to spend a little
time with us to discuss his cafe. Ronald covers the morning - noon
shift and Ryan takes it from there - a great father / son team, preparing
affordable home-style fare.
You can find Le Baron's Honker Cafe at 1210 2nd Street South, Nampa, Idaho. The are open from 6:30 am to 8:00 pm.
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Woolwich educated Nobel Prize winner - for research done on Greenwich Peninsula
Newspaper reports outline the Nobel prize won by Charles Kuen Kao's for his work on fibre optics - which had paved the way for the current broadband. The papers report on his education at Woolwich Polytechnic. We note that the Times includes a quote from Baroness Blackstone because they say 'the University of Greenwich includes the former Woolwich Polytechnic".
(of course the Times should note that the University of Greenwich IS Woolwich Polytechnic but stripped of those departments which educated Dr. Kao and made it so prestigious).
However, the newspaper report also points out that Dr.Kao's research was done at STC. Was therefore their work done in Greenwich at what is now the Alcatel works? We would be grateful for information. In 2000 Alcatel published a book - in an attempt to show that the technology driving the internet was developed only a short distance from the Dome, where it had been decided to ignore local industries. The booklet includes a photograph of Dr.Kao and makes a strong case for much of the optical fibre technology being developed here. They also say that in 1986 the Greenwich factory secured the first order for an international fibre optic cable.
So - anyone who has any information please add it here
(of course the Times should note that the University of Greenwich IS Woolwich Polytechnic but stripped of those departments which educated Dr. Kao and made it so prestigious).
However, the newspaper report also points out that Dr.Kao's research was done at STC. Was therefore their work done in Greenwich at what is now the Alcatel works? We would be grateful for information. In 2000 Alcatel published a book - in an attempt to show that the technology driving the internet was developed only a short distance from the Dome, where it had been decided to ignore local industries. The booklet includes a photograph of Dr.Kao and makes a strong case for much of the optical fibre technology being developed here. They also say that in 1986 the Greenwich factory secured the first order for an international fibre optic cable.
So - anyone who has any information please add it here
Monday, 5 October 2009
New Ashburnham Triangle book out
Diana Rimel has now published the update of her Ashburnham Triangle book - and this is a real tour de force. It lovingly charts the general history of the area and then lists street by street houses, pubs and other buildings. Of course, we are an industrial history society and would like to see a lot more about the industry of the area - but it has not been neglected. .
Even the name of 'Ashburnham' is industrial - it reflects the great Ashburnham furnace of the Wealden iron industry - and their later alliance with the Crowley ironmasters whose 18th century warehouses stood on Ballast Quay.
There is a chapter on the industrial buildings along this part of Deptford Creek - with a (much too short) section on Merryweathers and another on the LESC building, by Richard Cheffins (and first published by GIHS). Other information about Greenwich industry turns up in the description of many residential streets. For instance an item chosen at random is a note about Thomas Pottle's pottery in Blackheath Road under 'personalities'. However, I looked in vain for mention of the London and Greenwich Railway under both 'Blue Stile' and 'North Pole' - perhaps their first entry into Greenwich it is hidden somewhere else.
The book was launched at an event at Davy's Wine Bar by Cllr. Maureen O'Mara. In introducing it she said " Local history is one of my own great interests so I was very pleased and flattered to be asked by the Association to introduce Diana. As a Triangle resident now for over sixteen years I have always been fascinated by its history and I congratulate Diana on this new edition of her book"
In his introduction to the book Mick Delap, Chair of the Ashburnham Triangle Association, talks about the vanishing industrial landscape and points in particular to the demolition of the Merryweather buildings.
This is a an important book which records the past of this key area and at the same time allows us to see it at a time of great transition. And whether you know the Triangle or not the book is still a good read.
Copies and info available from Richard Cheffins, richardcheffins@aol.com. Cheques payable to the Ashburnham Triangle Association - £5 - not sure if that includes post and packing.
Even the name of 'Ashburnham' is industrial - it reflects the great Ashburnham furnace of the Wealden iron industry - and their later alliance with the Crowley ironmasters whose 18th century warehouses stood on Ballast Quay.
There is a chapter on the industrial buildings along this part of Deptford Creek - with a (much too short) section on Merryweathers and another on the LESC building, by Richard Cheffins (and first published by GIHS). Other information about Greenwich industry turns up in the description of many residential streets. For instance an item chosen at random is a note about Thomas Pottle's pottery in Blackheath Road under 'personalities'. However, I looked in vain for mention of the London and Greenwich Railway under both 'Blue Stile' and 'North Pole' - perhaps their first entry into Greenwich it is hidden somewhere else.
The book was launched at an event at Davy's Wine Bar by Cllr. Maureen O'Mara. In introducing it she said " Local history is one of my own great interests so I was very pleased and flattered to be asked by the Association to introduce Diana. As a Triangle resident now for over sixteen years I have always been fascinated by its history and I congratulate Diana on this new edition of her book"
In his introduction to the book Mick Delap, Chair of the Ashburnham Triangle Association, talks about the vanishing industrial landscape and points in particular to the demolition of the Merryweather buildings.
This is a an important book which records the past of this key area and at the same time allows us to see it at a time of great transition. And whether you know the Triangle or not the book is still a good read.
Copies and info available from Richard Cheffins, richardcheffins@aol.com. Cheques payable to the Ashburnham Triangle Association - £5 - not sure if that includes post and packing.
AGC Project Update
Well, it's coming along...not as much progress yesterday as I was hoping for, but moving along. This one takes a lot of digging for stuff, placing stuff with the plaques, rearraging stuff, adding s'more, rearranging again, & then either permanently attaching said stuff or gathering it all back up to try again. 
Added some cool copper things to this one, along with copper rivets & brass washers. Not quite done; will be adding some smaller saw blades & a few other tidbits....
Stainless steel mesh peeks through the letters; love this look :)Will be putting in some hours today; check back for more updates. Hoping to install later this week (we'll see how it goes)
Amber
Sunday, 4 October 2009
AGC Entry Wall
The beginnings of a new project....
This is going to be a large, multi-layered wall installation for the Idaho AGC Headquarters in Boise. As you enter the building, there is this big concrete wall in the atrium area where the work will go; it will highlight all the businesses who donated to the new AGC building. The main installation will be about 12 feet wide & 6 feet tall, & there will be a smaller piece next to it too; only about 1/4 the size.
I'm going to be using all kinds of metal, lots of cable, and lots of construction related accents: concrete, re-bar, wood, some tools, etc. I'm excited to really get into the mixing of materials; this one is going to be fun!
I'll be posting updates as it goes together; check back to see :)
Amber
This is going to be a large, multi-layered wall installation for the Idaho AGC Headquarters in Boise. As you enter the building, there is this big concrete wall in the atrium area where the work will go; it will highlight all the businesses who donated to the new AGC building. The main installation will be about 12 feet wide & 6 feet tall, & there will be a smaller piece next to it too; only about 1/4 the size. 
I'm going to be using all kinds of metal, lots of cable, and lots of construction related accents: concrete, re-bar, wood, some tools, etc. I'm excited to really get into the mixing of materials; this one is going to be fun! 
I'll be posting updates as it goes together; check back to see :)
Amber
Friday, 2 October 2009
Sculpture Move....
Sculpture collection moved...whew! Everything looks great in the new location; we spent the last couple days installing pieces at Galerie Belle Ame in Eagle: I'm excited to have things closer to home :) The gallery is right on Eagle road; so everyone driving into Eagle can see my stuffs---just before Rembrants: next to the arch that says welcome to Eagle. 
We showed up in the morning with the truck & trailer loaded: they had to stop traffic on Eagle road while I backed in next to the building...there were cars lined up for blocks! Fortunately, I got it backed in on the first try without taking out the mailbox...
And then we started the unloading & installing process. It took me & Kevin all day to install the 3 larger pieces & we had to go get the crane for the big one, but in the end I think it looks great :) That many big pieces together really transforms the patio area. 
Stop in sometime to see everything; grab a coffee at Rembrants & walk down... There are a few of my things displayed inside the gallery as well, including a jewelry collection. 
Tonight is First Friday in Eagle; stop in if you're out & about: I'll be there from about 6-8 to answer questions & talk about the new pieces. See you there :)
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