The 10 Most Terrifying Things About London Window
Daylight Robbery - London's Blocked-Up Windows
What began as a fascination with London's blasted-up windows has turned into an investigation into the role air and light play in our well-being. The exhibition, Daylight Robbery, features 80 photographs of windows that are blocked in the city.
The Great Fire of London was an important turning point in window design. This led to a shift in the architecture and the introduction of sash window.
What is a Window?
A window is an opening in a wall, door or roof to let in air and light. It is usually constructed with glass panes that are mounted on the frame, allowing opening and closing. A window could be referred to as an aperture for windows, window light or window pane.
There are a number of kinds of windows, but the ones most associated with London are sash windows. These are vertically-opening windows that open using the sliding mechanism. These windows are still found in older homes however they are not as common in more recent constructions. Modern double glazed windows are typically made from uPVC and can be opened the same way as traditional sash windows, but with a lot more insulation.
Sash windows are distinctive. They were developed due to the narrow streets of London and the tight-packed buildings. They are distinguished by two sashes that move up and down within the frame, and they overlap when they are open. The sash's movement is made possible by a system of that includes pulleys, weights, as well as counter balances that are hidden in the frame.
The sashes of a sash windows can be opened by either sliding them open or cranked like doorways. They can be single-hung, double-hung or casement. A casement opens outward, and has sashes that are either fixed in place or tilted for cleaning. Certain casement windows hinge and can swing in or out like an awning, or be opened with a crank.
It's easy to see the reason why sash windows were extremely popular throughout the years. They do have shortcomings, and one of them is that they are difficult to secure in the light of security concerns in the modern world. This is the reason we suggest that you think about replacing your windows that were sash-based with the most current tilt and turn models that are more effective in keeping thieves out.
The Great Fire of London
The Great Fire of London was a massive conflagration that swept through the city centre on the 2nd of September, 1666. By the time the fire was put out on Thursday 6th only about four-fifths of the city left standing. It destroyed 13,000 houses as well as 52 churches, and 89 Church Halls and left thousands of people homeless. It is believed that the fire started because of the bakery located in Pudding Lane. The fire spread quickly due to the presence of combustible material in warehouses as well as an extremely strong easterly breeze. It is estimated that about 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 across the city. He also widened the streets and ensured that buildings were built with brick instead of timber. As a result, the city was significantly less crowded.
Sash windows have been part of London architecture for many centuries. They are well-known due to their successful blend of traditional style and modern technology. It took them a while to reach where they are today.
The first sash windows were designed in the 17th century. They had bars that were vertically sliding and a fixed window sash. The window could be opened into the room but not upwards towards the sky. In time the sash's design modified to look more like a box window. The sash is still a popular and widely used window in many kinds of homes and apartments.
Jen Pedler selected a trompe-l'oeil in Smithfield that depicts a sailor returning home to his family. "I enjoy it because it shows an event that could occur. She added, "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 has captured more than 80 bricked-up windows in the City of London as part of his ongoing project Daylight Robbery. He initially was drawn to the aesthetics of the windows, but he later discovered that the windows have significant historical significance.
Sash windows
As an area with a history as long and rich as that of London, the capital is home to some stunning period structures. And sash windows are often associated with these historic properties. From elegant townhouses to simple terraces They can be seen everywhere in the capital's streets.
Despite their popularity, traditional sash windows don't always give the best impression in the present day. They have a reputation for letting in draughts, being difficult to open or close, and often getting stuck. A brand new double-glazed sash from Lomax + Wood is a breath of fresh air. It offers a high-quality timber product that is easy to operate and offers great energy-efficiency.
The sash window was created by English craftsmen, however it isn't certain. After the Great Fire of London, they are also credited for changing building regulations to replace larger windows with frames that were smaller, which were less likely to catch fire. These recessed frames provided Georgian and Victorian buildings their distinctive facades.
The sash itself is comprised of small panes of glass that are encased in glazing bars or muntins. In the past, windows were composed of multiple panes because glass was so expensive that if one broke it would cost a lot to replace it. The cost of glass has decreased dramatically, and windows are now constructed of a single pane with astragal bars to give them the appearance of smaller panels.
Sash windows can be opened by sliding them, or using an sash box mechanism. They can also be opened at both ends, which is known as a double-hung sash. The two sashes are secured in vertical grooves inside the frame by a sash cable and balanced by weights that are hidden within the frame of the box.
Many sash windows are over 100-years-old and may be experiencing issues such as rattles or draughts. You can replace them however, by installing double-glazed sash Windows that are FENSA registered and have strict building standards in terms of thermal performance, security, and acoustic isolation.
Windows that have been smashed
You may have noticed a strange sight when you stroll through the streets of old England windows are often replaced with bricks. This might seem odd, but it's for a good cause and it's a matter of money. In 1696 there was a tax on windows imposed which charged homeowners more based on how many windows their houses had. The tax, also known as 'daylight theft' was so hated by people that they went to great measures to avoid paying.
Some people decided to brick up their windows or construct homes without windows. Fortunately, this window-blocking trend was short-lived as the 'daylight robbery tax was finally lifted in 1851. glass repairs london to see bricked up windows on the side of older buildings. You can determine if they are windows by looking at the lintel or sill that matches the original glass.
Another way to know is to look for the stepped-back lines in the brickwork, which resembles lines that the glass could have taken up on either side. Examine if all the bricks have the same color. If there is a gap in the brickwork where the window should be, it is likely that the glass was never blocked.
The Daylight Robbery, an exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London is worth a visit for those curious about the history of these windows. The exhibition looks at the impact light and air has on our wellbeing and it examines ways in which we can improve our health.
The exhibition has its faults, most notably in the claim that "many" of the properties that were featured had their windows blasted off to get around the Georgian window tax (and not just because of the general dislike for the tax). It also fails to take into account the variety of the conditions that affect well-being, particularly health, following the introduction of the window tax, and during the so-called 'lockdown' period.