Since the seventeenth century, European buildings have been constructed with the ever popular sash window, a fixture that has only gotten better with time. The history of sash windows has largely affected their use and ubiquity today.
It is difficult to pinpoint the precise year in which these innovative windows first began appearing in homes. In a 1519 book by W. Horman Valgaria, a piece with many similarities to a sash design is described. However, it is not known whether this marks the beginning of its construction or is a mere coincidence.
The fixture certainly began showing up in European estates in the 1670s, when it first became popular. Despite the uncertainty of its first appearance, this is commonly accepted as its humble beginning. Dramatically affected by the status of the glass industry, it became even more commonplace in the 1850's, when the availability of plate glass increased. Not only were the fixtures found in more homes than ever before, but they tended to be larger as well, given the new sturdiness of the materials.
The original design consisted of several panes of glass in rectangular dimensions, held together in their wrought iron frame with lead fixings. Inside the fame was a weighted rope that lowered when the window was opened and raised when it was closed. This innovated design was developed by famed architect and scientist Robert Hooke. His original model was given the name the Georgian Sash.
As mentioned above, the popularity of plate glass aided in this window's development. Panes became larger, leading to the Regency design, in which two big frames sit over two more. Finally, from the twentieth century was born the commonly known Edwardian style, constructed with one solid pane on top and one on bottom. This modern version still utilizes Hooke's weight pulley system as a means of opening and closing the panes.
Perhaps one of the greatest features the windows offer is maximum control over ventilation. Because the weighted pulleys hold the panes in place no matter where they are, you determine their exact placement every time.
Throughout history, these fixtures have been referenced in many fictional romantic settings. Whether it be a young maiden being serenaded at twilight or a child anxiously awaiting Saint Nick, they have been featured right alongside some of literature's most memorable moments. This is a testament to both their longevity and versatility.
The history of sash windows has allowed for exciting developments in its design and style. As technology advances the glass industry, the ingenious pieces will, undoubtedly, be affected as well, but only in a positive sense as they spread throughout the world.
It is difficult to pinpoint the precise year in which these innovative windows first began appearing in homes. In a 1519 book by W. Horman Valgaria, a piece with many similarities to a sash design is described. However, it is not known whether this marks the beginning of its construction or is a mere coincidence.
The fixture certainly began showing up in European estates in the 1670s, when it first became popular. Despite the uncertainty of its first appearance, this is commonly accepted as its humble beginning. Dramatically affected by the status of the glass industry, it became even more commonplace in the 1850's, when the availability of plate glass increased. Not only were the fixtures found in more homes than ever before, but they tended to be larger as well, given the new sturdiness of the materials.
The original design consisted of several panes of glass in rectangular dimensions, held together in their wrought iron frame with lead fixings. Inside the fame was a weighted rope that lowered when the window was opened and raised when it was closed. This innovated design was developed by famed architect and scientist Robert Hooke. His original model was given the name the Georgian Sash.
As mentioned above, the popularity of plate glass aided in this window's development. Panes became larger, leading to the Regency design, in which two big frames sit over two more. Finally, from the twentieth century was born the commonly known Edwardian style, constructed with one solid pane on top and one on bottom. This modern version still utilizes Hooke's weight pulley system as a means of opening and closing the panes.
Perhaps one of the greatest features the windows offer is maximum control over ventilation. Because the weighted pulleys hold the panes in place no matter where they are, you determine their exact placement every time.
Throughout history, these fixtures have been referenced in many fictional romantic settings. Whether it be a young maiden being serenaded at twilight or a child anxiously awaiting Saint Nick, they have been featured right alongside some of literature's most memorable moments. This is a testament to both their longevity and versatility.
The history of sash windows has allowed for exciting developments in its design and style. As technology advances the glass industry, the ingenious pieces will, undoubtedly, be affected as well, but only in a positive sense as they spread throughout the world.
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Sash windows are a popular option for homes in numerous places. View the inventory at a London sash window company to renovate or replace your windows.
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