Paul Bommer’s Huguenot Plaque
People often stand and gaze in wonder at the beautiful Huguenot Plaque of twenty Delft tiles designed by Artist Paul Bommer on Hanbury Hall in Hanbury St, which was originally built as a Huguenot Chapel in 1719. The plaque was commissioned by the Huguenots of Spitalfields and the tiles tell the story of Britain’s first refugees.
Nicholas Hawksmoor’s Christ Church, Spitalfields
Méreau with a chalice
La Neuve Eglise – now Brick Lane Mosque
Méreau showing the Lamb of God
Méreau showing the Dove of Peace, Shield with Cross of Lorraine & Swan
1598 – Edict of Nantes when Henry IV granted rights to Huguenots
Anna Maria Garthwaite, designer of Spitalfields Silk
1685 – Revocation of the Edict of Nantes which forced Huguenots to flee persecution
Fleur de Lys, méreau with crucifix and hare
Huguenot Silversmiths
Horticulture in Spitalfields
Psalms 9:9 – “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble…”
Horticulture in Spitalfields
Huguenot Clockmakers
Spitalfields Silk Merchant
Méreau with a cross, a silk bobbin and an oak symbolising Strength & Fidelity
The Huguenot Cross
Méreau with crest of France, canary and oak symbolising Strength & Fidelity
Protestant preaching at La Neuve Eglise
Paul Bommer’s Huguenot plaque on the Hanbury Hall, Hanbury St
Images copyright © Paul Bommer
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Wonderful work. It is a complete joy to see these: thank you for sharing them. I love the gentleman tending his garden.
The plaque is truly an amazing and attractive piece of work. One thing I’ve noticed though is that the angels appear to have more than a passing resemblance to Donald Trump. Maybe I am seeing him everywhere, what do you think GA?
These are delightful and charming, and full of appropriate Huguenot imagery.
I’m feeling inspired to do Delft style Christmas cards next year.
The plaque is an attractive illustration of the life of the Huguenots and I can see why many people stop to look. Just one strikes me though GA why do the angels bear a passing resemblance to Donald Trump? Maybe it’s my imagination.
My maiden name is Playle. Many Playles ended up in the East End from late C19 onwards, but they came originally from a small corner of Essex ( Tiptree, Kelvedon area). I believe the first Huguenots arrived in Colchester in around 1565, and I was always told that the name Playle had Huguenot origins.
Can anyone shed any light on this ?
I am a fan of Paul Bommer’s work, and always enjoy the BOLDness of his work. But his brushwork on these beautiful tiles provides another glimpse of his talents — Now, WHY was I surprised that this gifted man could “do it all”?
Your region is chock-full of talent — thank you for sharing it with us.
Stay safe, all.
Utterly charming
Got married in Hanbury Hall in 1963 when it was the temporary church
Finally located Charles Chancy, oldest known relative in the US, having come over with 179 others on a Round Robin, “Persons of Quality” writ signed by King Charles I of England. Charlie never could fund the ship, so the immigrants found another way between 1621 – 1624. If anyone knows any details about this group of immigrants, please respond here.