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Ornate railings illustrating lives of London noblemen in 1700s to go overseas

Xinhua, April 4, 2017 Adjust font size:

The export overseas of a rare set of ornate 18th century railings that once surrounded one of the grandest addresses in London was put on hold Tuesday after intervention by culture minister Matt Hancock.

Hancock has placed a temporary export bar on the railings that once surrounded the long-demolished home of the 4th Earl of Chesterfield to provide an opportunity to keep them in the country.

Unless the asking price of 305,000 pounds (379,675 U.S. dollars) plus tax of 61,000 pounds, can be raised, the export will go ahead.

Made of wrought and cast iron with gilt iron and gilt bronze embellishments, they are among the most highly decorated examples in Britain, and illustrate how ornate ironwork was used to show social status in the 18th century, said the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Built in the 1740s, Chesterfield House was one of the grandest and most famous addresses in London and the railings were intended to impress guests and be viewed from the ground floor reception rooms.

The house was demolished in 1937 was the catalyst for the foundation of The Georgian Group, which celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2017. Endit