A SET of gates thought to be 300-years-old could be repainted black 16 years after a row over painting them a pale green.
The grade II star listed Pontymoile Gates at the southern entrance to Pontypool Park were painted in a “racing green” colour in 2009 which was officially known as a ‘Dulux Heritage Range Georgian Period 1714-1837 Grass Green’.
That particular shade of green had the approval of Welsh historic environment body Cadw – despite complaints from at least one borough councillor at the time. There were calls for the then National Assembly to intervene and claims a majority of local residents wanted the gates repainted black.
At the time Torfaen Borough Council’s stance was it was repainting the gates in a colour previously used in the 20th century and as far back as the early years of the Victorian period.
But the council has now had a change of heart and has made an application, to its planning department, to repaint the “deteriorating” gates as part of refurbishment works.
A heritage impact statement, submitted in support of the application, argues while it had previously been considered the gates were originally a pale green there is in fact no evidence of their original colour.
The statement, prepared by Merthyr Tydfil-based architects George and Co, states: “There is no evidence of the original colour scheme for approximately the first 100 years.”
Torfaen council now wants to paint the gates in a matt black and gilt detail. The gold style gilt leaf would feature on the columns to the side of the main gates and the top of some railings.
As part of the application undated colour photographs showing the gates painted black have been submitted and the report states: “In the absence of any further information, and the client’s requests, we do not see the proposed colour scheme in anyway detrimental to the historical significance of the gates and railings.”
It’s also stated the 2009 application showed the colour of the gates has changed a number of times and the black finish could still be reversed in future. It adds: “The local council see the physical nature of the gates and railings as a priority and not the original colour.”
It also warns refurbishment is required due to the current condition of the gates and says unless the work is approved “the degradation is likely to accelerate and there is a fear that the existing fabric will eventually be lost.”
A maintenance plan for the gates will also be required.
The gates are said to have been given to Major John Hanbury of Pontypool Park by his friend Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough which would date the gift as between 1722 and 1734, but isn’t necessarily the date of manufacture. The maker is unknown.
They were erected at their present site, and with their present additions, at some time in the early/mid C19, possibly 1835 by Thomas Deakin, probably for Capel Hanbury Leigh. The additional ironwork was manufactured at the Blaenavon Ironworks.
They first stood in the arch between Pontypool Park house and the stable block (now St Alban’s School and the museum) until moved to their present location.
A final decision will have to be approved by Cadw.
