CHARITY LOT: For St Margaret's Church, Bethersden, Kent, 'B...

Hammer

£6,500

CHARITY LOT:
For St Margaret's Church, Bethersden, Kent, 'Bell & Frame Restoration Fund'.
'Bethersden Belle' - a fabulous and unique hand crafted rocking horse by the world renowned Stevenson Brothers, who's clients have included royalty, sports personalities, artists, interior designers, musicians, and more, and were privileged to make and present rocking horses to HM Queen Elizabeth II as well as her grandchildren.
This horse is a break from their traditional shaped rocking horses and is based on the last horse made for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, it looks more like a real horse, she has a closed mouth making her look more friendly and incredible detailing in the face and body, further adding to her realistic appearance. Her bridle is made from flax and her tack is made from the sallies of the church belfry (the ropes that are used to ring the bells), her frame even features bell shapes carved into the wood, this unique work of art has been hand made by Tony Stevenson himself especially for this cause, it has a unique brass plaque applied and is numbered 9669, each horse has a unique number.
The funds raised are going towards the wooden frame supporting the bells in St Margaret’s Church in Bethersden, which have fallen victim to wood rot and insect infestation. It needs to be completely replaced so that the bells can continue to ring out across the parish and be enjoyed by future generations.
The Tower Band bell ringers, of which Tony Stevenson is a member, are responsible for the welfare of the bells. The group has launched a fund-raising campaign to finance the restoration costs of around £89,000. They have already raised a fabulous £44,000 but, clearly, a lot more is required.
The wooden frame of St Margaret’s Church bell tower was originally installed in 1759. However, the oldest of the bells was cast in 1335 (one of the oldest in Kent). Along with bells from the 1600s, 1800s and more recently, 1953, this incredibly beautiful old bell hangs within the crumbling wooden frame. This makes them difficult to ring out across the village and is increasingly concerning from both a conservation and safety point of view.
Height - 4' (122cm) to top of ear
Length - 4'8" (142cm) length of frame
Estimate £5000/8000 (we are informed by The Stevenson Brothers that to commission something similar to this to be built would cost in the region of £14,000). The Stevenson Brothers have informed us that they can make a removable saddle for the horse for the new buyer, and can pack and arrange shipping globally.