10 Facts About London Window That Can Instantly Put You In Good Mood
Daylight Robbery - London's Blocked-Up Windows
What began as an interest in the city's bricked-up windows has turned into an examination of the role that light and air play in wellbeing. The exhibition, Daylight Robbery, features 80 photos of blocked-up windows in the city.
The Great Fire of London was a significant change in the design of windows. This resulted in a change in the architecture and the introduction of sash windows.
What is a Window?
A window is an opening in a wall, door or roof to allow air and light. It is typically framed and spanned with panes of glass mounted to permit opening and closing. A window could also be called windows, window lights, window aperture or window pane.
There are a number of different kinds of windows, however the ones most often associated with London are sash windows. They are vertically opening windows that open using a sliding mechanism. They are still a feature in many older houses, however they are not as prevalent in newer builds. Modern double glazed windows are usually constructed from uPVC and can be opened in the same manner as traditional sash windows however with much improved insulation.
Sash windows are distinctive and they were originally developed as a result the narrow streets of London and the fact that buildings were huddled together. Two sashes slide between the frame, and overlap when opened. The movement of sash is assisted by a system of that includes pulleys, weights, as well as counter balances that can be hidden within the frame.
The sashes of a sash window can be opened by either sliding them open or cranking like doors. They can be single hang, double or casement. A casement opens outwards and can have sashes that can be fixed or tilted to aid in cleaning. Certain casement windows are hinged and can swing in or out like an awning or be opened by turning the crank.
Sash windows can be an elegant feature in any home, and it is not difficult to see why they were popular for so long. They do have flaws, and one of them is that they can be difficult to secure in light of the latest security concerns. We recommend that you replace your sash window that was in use with the latest tilt-and-turn models that are more effective in keeping intruders from entering your home.
london door company of London
The Great Fire of London was an enormous fire that was a major threat to the city's centre on 2nd September 1666. When the fire was put out on the 6th, only four fifths of the city was left standing. It destroyed 13,000 homes, 89 churches, and 52 Guild Halls. Many thousands of people were homeless. The fire is believed to be the result of an Pudding Lane bakery. The flame quickly spread thanks to warehouses that were filled with material that was combustible and a strong easterly wind. It is estimated that approximately 16 people were killed.
After the fire, Charles II began rebuilding the city. Sir Christopher Wren designed a new St Paul's Cathedral and laid the foundations for dozens of churches throughout the city. He also built wider streets and made sure buildings were constructed from brick rather than timber. As a result, the city was less and crowded.
Sash windows are an iconic part of London's architecture and have been in use for many centuries. They are renowned due to their mix of traditional style and modern technology. It took a while for them to get where they are today.
The first sash window was invented in the 17th century and featured a vertical sliding bar and an sash that was fixed. The window could extend out onto the room but not into the sky. Through time, the design of the sash was altered and it was transformed into an open-plan window. The sash is still a popular and frequently used window in many different kinds of houses and apartments.
Jen Pedler chose a trompe the l'oeil windows in Smithfield, which depicts the return of a sailor to his family. "I enjoy it because it depicts a scene that could actually happen. She said, "It's a very atmospheric space and it's simple to imagine what's happening in the room to the left."
Andy Summers, an artist photographer, has taken photos of more than 80 bricked windows in the City of London as part of his ongoing project Daylight Robbery. He initially was interested in the aesthetics, but he later discovered that the windows have significant historical significance.
Sash windows
The capital of the United States, with its long and rich history, is home to some beautiful period buildings. And sash windows are a feature that's often associated with these historical buildings. From grand townhouses to quaint terraces They can be seen everywhere in the capital's streets.
Despite their popularity in the past, traditional sash window styles don't always look appealing in modern times. They are notorious for letting drafts in, being difficult to close or open and having their mechanisms clogged. However, a brand new, double-glazed sash window by Lomax + Wood can be a breath of fresh air and offer a premium timber solution that is easy to operate and offers great energy efficiency.
It's not really known who invented the sash windows however English craftsmen are the most credible claim to be responsible. They are also credited with modifying building regulations after the Great Fire, which led to windows being replaced with narrower frames that were less likely to catch fire. These frames with recessed edges give Georgian and Victorian facades their distinctive look.
The sash consists of tiny panes that are held in muntins or glazing bars. Originally, windows were made of several panes, since glass was costly. If one of them broke replacing it would be expensive. Today, the cost of glass has sunk dramatically, and windows are generally comprised of a single pane, with astragal bars inserted to give the appearance of smaller panes.
Sash windows can be opened either by sliding them, or using an sash box mechanism. They can also be opened at both ends that is referred to as a double-hung sash. The two sashes in the frame are held in place by a cord. Weights are hidden inside the frame to help balance the weights.
Many sash windows are over 100 years old and may be exhibiting issues such as rattles or drafts. However, we can replace them with modern, double-glazed windows that are FENSA registered and have met the strict building regulations regarding thermal performance, security and acoustic insulation.
Bricked up windows
As you walk through the streets of old England You may have noticed that windows are often replaced by bricks. This might seem odd, but it's for an excellent cause, and it involves money. In 1696, there was a window tax imposed which charged homeowners more according to the number of windows their homes had. Known as the 'daylight robbery', this tax was so resented that people went to great lengths to avoid it.
One option was to construct their homes with a minimum number of windows, or even without windows altogether, while others would simply brick them up. Fortunately the window-blocking trend was short-lived since the 'daylight theft' tax was finally pulled in 1851. However, it's not uncommon to see bricked-up windows on the sides of older buildings, and you can usually tell whether or not they were originally windows by searching for a lintel and sill that are in line with the place where the glass would have been.
Check for the stepped back line in the brickwork that mimics the lines of the glass on either side. Look to see whether all the bricks are the identical colour. If there is a gap where the window ought to be, it is likely that the glass never blocked.
The Daylight Robbery, an exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, is worth visiting for those who are interested in knowing more about these windows. The exhibition looks at the impact light and air have on our wellbeing and it also explores some of the ways in which we can improve our health.
The exhibit has its flaws. It is notable that it states that "many" of the properties that were featured were erected to get around the Georgian window tax of the time. (And not just out of a general dislike for the tax.) It also fails to consider the complexity of conditions which affect wellbeing especially health, after the introduction of the tax on windows and during the so-called 'lockdown' period.