Rainham Remembers

Ernest Plews (1866-1951) was born at Rainham Hall and lived there briefly with his family, before moving to Brighton. At 21, Ernest then emigrated to Australia, settling and marrying in New South Wales. He played a vital part in the cultural and literary development of his town of Gunning, including the building of the library. Here, he is remembered by his granddaugther Jenny Plews, who also explores the impact the subsequent Plews have had in their community of Gunning. 

Anthony Denney (1913-90) was an influential photographer, interior designer and eminent art collector who lived at Rainham Hall from 1964-69. In this oral history interview, he is remembered by his friend Dr Henry Sanford, the husband of late Belgian artist Marcelle van Caillie. Hear anecdotes about dinner parties at Denney's London flat, his impressive contemporary art collection, and his varied work as an interior designer, for the Queen Mother, among others. Dr Sanford reminisces on the abstract and avant-garde art scene in post-war London and Europe, and the working partnership between his late wife and Denney. 

Rainham Hall operated as a Day Nursery from 1943-1954, where Roger Cunningham spent 2 happy, post-war years. In this interview, he describes growing up in the Hall, where he happened to meet his now wife, Janice. Little did they know, they would meet again later in life, marrying just next door in the church of St. Helen and St. Giles in November 1965.

Remembering the Day Nursery was the second major exhibition at Rainham Hall, from 2017-18. As part of the historical research, the oral history team interviewed former attendees to capture their memories of this unique time in the Hall's history. Find out more about the Nursery years here: bit.ly/DayNursery

Rainham Hall operated as a Day Nursery from 1943-1954, where Janice Cunningham spent 5 happy, post-war years. In this interview, she describes growing up in the Hall, where she happened to meet her now husband, Roger. Little did they know, they would meet again later in life, marrying just next door in the church of St. Helen and St. Giles in November 1965.

Remembering the Day Nursery was the second major exhibition at Rainham Hall, from 2017-18. As part of the historical research, the oral history team interviewed former attendees to capture their memories of this unique time in the Hall's history. Find out more about the Nursery years here: bit.ly/DayNursery