Daylight Robbery - London's Blocked-Up Windows What started out as a fascination with the city's bricked-up windows has evolved into an investigation into the role light and air contribute to our well-being. The exhibition, Daylight Robbery, features 80 photos of blocked-up windows in the city. The Great Fire of London marked a turning point in the design of windows. This led to a shift in architecture and the creation of sash windows. What is a window? A window is an opening in a wall, door or roof to admit air and light. It is usually framed and spanned with panes of glass, which are mounted to allow opening and closing. A window could also be referred to as an aperture for windows, window light or window pane. london glazier are the most popular type of window in London. They are windows that open vertically and open with an opening mechanism that slides. These windows can still be found in older homes however they are not as common in modern constructions. Modern double glazed sash Windows are made of uPVC. They are able to be opened the same as traditional sash windows, but they offer greater insulation. Sash windows are very distinctive and were first developed as a result the narrow streets of London and the fact that buildings were huddled together. Two Sashes move up and down in the frame, and overlap when opened. The movement of the sash is assisted by a system of weights and pulleys (known as counter balances) that can be concealed or visible in the frame. Sash windows can be opened by sliding them open, or by cranking them up like a door. They can be double-hung, single-hung or casement. Casements open outwards, and may have sashes that can be fixed in place or tilted to aid in cleaning. There are also some casement windows that hang on hinges that allow the window to swing in or out, like an awning window, or which can be opened with a crank mechanism. A sash window can be an attractive feature in any home and it's easy to see why they were so popular for so long. But, they have their drawbacks. One of the main problems is that it could be difficult to keep them safe against modern security concerns. We recommend replacing your old sash window with the latest tilt-and turn models that are more effective in keeping burglars away. The Great Fire of London The Great Fire of London was an enormous blaze that swept through the city centre on September 2nd, 1666. When the fire was finally extinguished, on Thursday the 6th, only four-fifths the city was left standing. It burned 13,000 houses, 52 churches, and 89 Church Halls which left thousands of people homeless. The fire is believed to be started by an Pudding Lane bakery. The fire quickly spread due to the presence of combustible materials in warehouses and an extremely strong easterly breeze. It is estimated that approximately 16 people were killed. After the fire, Charles II began rebuilding the city. Sir Christopher Wren was commissioned to create a new St Paul's Cathedral, and he also laid the foundations for a number of other churches throughout the city. He also paved roads that were wider and ensured that buildings were constructed of bricks instead of timber. The city became much less crowded because of the fire. Sash windows are a traditional part of London's architecture and have been around for centuries. They are well-known because they provide a successful blend of traditional style and modern technology. However, it took a while to get to where they are today. The first sash window was invented in the 17th century and featured an incline bar that was vertical and a fixed sash. The window could be opened outwards into the room but not upwards to the sky. In time the sash's design changed to resemble the shape of a box window. The sash remains an extremely popular and widely used window in many different types of houses and apartments. Jen Pedler selected a trompe-l'oeil in Smithfield that depicts a sailor who has returned to his family. I love it because the scene could occur. It's a beautiful place and it's easy to imagine what might be going on in the room behind it, she said. Andy Summers, an artist has captured more than 80 bricked windows in the City of London as part of his ongoing project Daylight Robbery. He says that initially he was interested in the aesthetics of these windows, but he has realized that they have a significant historical significance. Sash windows As a city with a past as long and rich as London's, this capital is home to some beautiful period structures. Sash windows are usually associated with historic properties. From grand townhouses to quaint terraces, they can be seen throughout the capital's streets. Despite their popularity the traditional sash windows do not always make the best impression in modern times. They're known for letting in draughts, being difficult to open and close and getting their mechanisms blocked. However, a brand new, double-glazed sash windows from Lomax + Wood can be a breath of fresh air offering a high-quality wood solution that is easy to operate and offers great energy efficiency. It's not really known who invented the sash window However, English craftsmen are the most credible claim of being responsible. They are also credited with modifying building regulations following the Great Fire, which led to the replacement of larger windows with narrower frames that were less likely to catch fire. These recessed frames created Georgian and Victorian buildings their distinctive facades. The sash is made up of tiny panes that are held in muntins or glazing bars. In the past, windows were constructed of multiple panes, as glass was expensive. If one was damaged replacing it would be expensive. Today, the cost of glass has fallen dramatically, and windows are usually made up of one pane that has astragal bars attached to create the appearance of smaller panes. Sash windows can be opened either by sliding them, or using a box sash mechanism. They can also be opened from both ends, which is known as a double-hung sash. The two sashes of the frame are secured by a cord. Weights are hidden in the box frame to help balance the weights. Many of the windows that are sash in the period buildings in London are over 100 years old and can begin to show signs of problems such as rattles and draughts. However, we can replace them with modern, double-glazed sash windows that are FENSA registered and have met the strict building regulations for thermal performance, security and acoustic insulation. Windows that are clogged You may have noticed a peculiar sight as you wander through the streets of old England windows are sometimes replaced with bricks. This may sound odd, but it's a very good cause, and it's also a source of cash. Back in 1696 there was a tax on windows that was imposed, which levy homeowners more based on how many windows their homes had. The tax was referred to as the 'daylight theft the tax was so resented that people went to extreme lengths to avoid it. One way was to build their homes with a small number of windows, or without windows at all, while others would build them up. The window-blocking practice was a short-lived one because the 'daylight-robbery fee was eventually eliminated in 1851. However, it's not uncommon to see bricked-up windows along the exterior of older buildings and you can determine if they were originally windows by looking for a lintel and sill which match up to the place where the glass would have been. Another way to know is to look for the stepped-back lines in the brickwork which mimics the lines that the glass could have taken up on either side. Check to see whether all the bricks are the identical colour. If there is a gap in the brickwork where the window ought to be, it is likely that the glass never blocked. If you are interested in learning more about the history of these windows, there is an exhibit at London's Victoria & Albert Museum called The Daylight Robbery which is worth checking out. The exhibition examines the impact of light and air on our health and wellbeing. The exhibition isn't without faults. Most notably, it claims that many of the houses included were bricked to avoid the Georgian window tax of the time. (And not just out of a general dislike of the tax.) It also doesn't take into account the complexity of conditions which affect wellbeing, particularly health, following the introduction of the window tax, and during the so-called 'lockdown' period.
london glazier
