KNOLE, HORN POLE LANTERNS
Possibly 17th century, Unknown maker
Client: The National Trust
Location: Knole, near Sevenoaks, Kent
These early pole lanterns are made from tinned iron, with horn lights, illuminated originally with candles. They would have been carried beside carriages to light their way up the long drive and through the inner courtyards of the house.
First, paint samples were taken and analysed. A forma was then made of the existing curved lights and replacement unpolished horn lights were obtained. Broken metal elements were then repaired, holes filled and missing sections replaced with tin plate, using lead solder and tin solder, and the repairs worked back. All the metalwork was then cleaned and any rust on the iron fittings was removed.
The metalwork was then repainted with two coats of primer and two topcoats. The horn lights were then heated and cut and curved individually to fit. Finally the wooden poles were carefully cleaned and waxed.