Daylight Robbery - London's Blocked-Up Windows
What started as an interest in London's bricked up windows has now turned into an investigation of the role light and air play in wellbeing. The exhibition Daylight Robbery features 80 photos of the windows that are blocked up all over the city.
The Great Fire of London marked an important turning point in the design of windows. This led to a change in architecture and the introduction of the sash window.
What is a window?
A window is a small opening that is made in the wall, door or roof for the purpose of letting in light and air. It is usually framed and spanned with panes of glass, which are mounted to allow opening and closing. A window may also be described as a window light or window aperture. pane.
Sash windows are the most popular kind of window in London. They are vertically opening windows that open with a sliding mechanism. They are still a feature in many older homes, but they are not as prevalent in newer builds. Modern double glazed windows are usually constructed from uPVC and can still be opened in the same manner as traditional sash windows however with a lot more insulation.
Sash windows are distinctive. They were developed due to the narrow streets in London and the close-packed buildings. They are distinguished by two sashes which slide up and down inside the frame and overlap when opened. The sash's movement is assisted by a system of pulleys, weights and counter balances that can be concealed within the frame.
The sashes of a sash windows can be opened by sliding them open or cranking like a door. They can be single hanging, double-hung or casement. Casements open outwards, and has sashes that can be fixed in place or tilted for cleaning. Some casement windows are hinged and swing in or out like an awning or be opened by turning a crank.
It's not difficult to understand why sash windows have become extremely popular throughout the years. However, they aren't without their flaws. One of the major issues is that it's difficult to keep them secure in the current security issues. This is the reason we suggest that you consider replacing your old sash windows with the most recent tilt and turn models that are more effective in keeping intruders out.
The Great Fire of London
The Great Fire of London was an enormous blaze that swept through the city's center on the 2nd of September, 1666. When the fire was completely slowed down on Thursday, the 6th, only four-fifths the city remained standing. It destroyed 13,000 homes, 89 churches and 52 Guild Halls. Many thousands of people were displaced. The fire was believed to be started by the Pudding Lane bakery. The fire quickly spread due to warehouses containing explosive materials and a powerful 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 numerous churches across the city. He also widened the streets and ensured that buildings were constructed from brick instead of timber. In the end, the city was much less overcrowded.
Sash windows are an iconic part of London's architecture and have been around for centuries. They are a popular choice due to their winning combination of traditional looks and modern technology. It took an extended time to reach where they are today.
The first sash window was invented in the 17th century and included a vertical sliding bar and an sash that was fixed. The window could be opened into the room but not upwards towards the sky. As time passed, the sash design was modified to look more like an open-air box window. The sash continues to be an extremely popular and frequently used window in many kinds of homes and apartments.
Jen Pedler selected a trompe-l'oeil in Smithfield that depicts a sailor who has returned to his family. "I am awestruck by it because the scene could actually take place." She added, "It's a very atmospheric space, and it's easy to imagine what's going on in the room beyond it."
Andy Summers is an artist who has photographed over 80 bricked-up windows in the City of London for his ongoing project Daylight Robbery. He says that initially he was interested in the aesthetics of these windows but has since discovered that they hold a significant historical significance.
Sash windows
The capital, with its long and rich history is home to a number of beautiful period buildings. Sash windows are usually associated with historic properties. From elegant townhouses to simple terraces They can be seen all over the streets of the capital city.
Despite their popularity in the past, the traditional sash window styles aren't always attractive in modern times. They're known for letting draughts in and are difficult to close or open and having their mechanisms jammed. However, a brand new, double-glazed sash windows from Lomax + Wood can be a breath of fresh air, providing a high-quality timber solution that's easy to use and has a high energy efficiency.
It's not known who came up with the idea for the sash window however English craftsmen hold the most claim of being responsible. Following 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 gave Georgian and Victorian buildings their distinctive facades.
The sash consists of smaller panes, which are that are held in muntins or glazing bars. The windows were originally made up of multiple panes since glass was so expensive that if one broke it would be expensive to replace it. Today, the price of glass has dropped drastically, so windows are usually made up of one pane with astragal bars applied to create the appearance of smaller panes.
sash window repairs london can be opened either by sliding them or using the box sash mechanism. Double-hung sashes can be opened from both sides. The two sashes inside the frame are secured by a cord. Weights are hidden inside the box frame to help balance the weights.
Many sash windows are more than 100 years old and may be exhibiting issues such as rattles or drafts. However they can be replaced with modern, double-glazed windows that are FENSA registered and comply with stringent building regulations regarding thermal performance, security and acoustic insulation.
Windows with bricks
While walking through the streets of old England you might have observed that windows are occasionally replaced with bricks. This edit may seem odd, but it's actually for a good cause and it involves money. In 1696 there was a window tax that was imposed on homeowners, which increased the amount depending on the number of windows their homes had. The tax, also known as 'daylight theft', was so hated by people that they went to great lengths to avoid paying it.
Some people decided to brick up their windows or build houses without windows at all. This window-blocking was short-lived and the 'daylight-robbery tax was eventually eliminated in 1851. It's common to see windows that are bricked up on the side of older buildings. You can tell if they were windows by looking at the lintel, or sill that matches the original glass.
Examine the lines of stepped back in the brickwork that resembles the lines of the glass on either side. Also, take a look to check whether the bricks are the same colour, and if there's a gap within the mortar where the window would be, it's likely that the window was not actually blocked off.
If you're interested in understanding the history behind these windows, there's an exhibit at London's Victoria & Albert Museum called The Daylight Robbery which is worth checking out. The exhibition looks at the impact that light and air have on our health and wellbeing. It also explores ways in which we can improve our health.
The exhibit has its flaws. It is notable that it claims that "many" of the properties that were featured were erected to avoid the Georgian era window tax. (And this isn't just because of a general dislike of the tax.) It doesn't also take into account conditions that affect wellbeing, especially health, after the introduction of window tax and the so-called "lockdown" period.