Where design professionals shop
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Where design professionals shop
The vine eye, a small but essential metal fixture, has been used for centuries to support the training of vines and espaliered fruit trees. Originating in 18th-century European gardens, these simple yet effective tools were designed to anchor wires or twine to garden walls, aiding in the careful training of grapevines, apples, and pears.
In walled kitchen gardens, common on estates in Britain and France, vine eyes played a critical role in maximizing fruit ripening by harnessing the warmth of sun-soaked brick or stone walls. Hand-forged by blacksmiths, they were usually made of wrought iron and designed for long-term durability, allowing gardeners to guide their plants along the walls with precision.
As mass production took over in the 19th century, vine eyes became more widely available, but many historic gardens still preserve the original hand-forged versions. Today, vine eyes remain highly valued in heritage and traditional gardening, combining both practicality and craftsmanship.
In developing a high-quality vine eye specifically designed for training vines and espaliered fruit trees against walls, we undertook a careful study of traditional models still in use today. Our research led us to several historic walled gardens in the area, where original fixtures have stood the test of time. Among these, we were fortunate to gain access to the gardens at Oakley Park, where we discovered an exemplary design that offered both durability and elegance.
Drawing directly from this authentic, time-tested model, we have produced a faithful 6-inch version, meticulously handmade by our skilled blacksmith. The result is a robust and aesthetically pleasing vine eye that blends traditional craftsmanship with practical functionality.
We believe this to be the finest version currently available on the market—ideal for heritage restoration projects, traditional gardens, or simply for those who appreciate enduring quality. Each vine eye is sold individually at £5.50
