A LOCAL historian has been named as the new curator and tour guide for Salomons estate.
The grand Southborough structure has been home to three generations of pioneering Salomons.
Designed by Decimus Burton and set in 36 acres of parkland, it is currently owned by Markerstudy Leisure and run as an events venue. But history is very much at its core, and its museum charts the story of the Salomons family, as well as the Science Theatre, both of which are now under the control of new curator Chris Jones.
A member of the Tunbridge Wells Civic Society and Local History Group, Mr Jones said he was ‘thrilled’ to be taking on the role, adding: “I have lived in Tunbridge Wells for 36 years, but my connection with Salomons goes back much further than that. It was while staying here one weekend with my wife and baby daughter that we first visited Tunbridge Wells and decided to move here.
“In a way my involvement goes further back than that. As a student in 1970, I studied Jewish History with historian Lionel Kochan, and David Salomons featured in that.” In 2008, Chris wrote the book ‘Tunbridge Wells in 1909’, and in 2011 was awarded a Master’s degree in English Local History. And last year he gave a series of talks on the ‘Lost Houses of Tunbridge Wells’.
He described Salomons as a ‘really good fit’ while he continues with his studies, mainly looking at the early part of the 19th century. He succeeds Kathy Chaney, who has worked at Salomons for 20 years and became curator in 2002.
• Salomons museum is free to visit 0and is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
