THE LOSS OF THE HISTORIC WINDOW


Part of the chronological sash- pulley display


Sash-pulleys can be a useful dating method, particularly when more obvious period details have been lost or when matching additions, or where replacement windows have been added over the centuries.


The earliest example in this image dates from circa 1725 (image No. 1. at top left of picture), the latest being circa 1778-80 from Somerset House, London – a ‘Rolls-Royce’ expensive axle-pulley constructed of cast-iron and brass, with sections riveted together – (image No. 4 at top right of picture)


Image showing mid- 19th to early-20th century sash-pulleys


The middle half- stripped example and example immediately to its right were produced by Archibald Kenrick & Sons of West Bromwich, circa 1895. These decorative face-plates may well have been conceived by the renowned designer, Christopher Dresser, who is believed to have produced designs for their products.


Ornamental cast-iron decorations of this nature were more common in America at this time. It is believed that Kenricks produced their designs principally for the American export market


View of sash-weight display, with weights dating from the 1720s to the late 19th century


The window CPD courses are usually top of the list in terms of general popularity. My teaching gallery consists of carefully-selected representative examples, highlighting definitive, ‘polite’ and vernacular window forms in chronological order where possible, displayed in a manner which facilitates measuring, drawing and photographs, several students undertaking dissertations having consulted the gallery and the back-up stores for their research. This facility is now complemented by a newly-created research library and meeting room, which contains a fine range of period joinery manuals and trade catalogues, dating from the early 19th century to the 1950s.


74 Listed Heritage Magazine January/February 2020


The window examples themselves have been recovered from buildings undergoing demolition or alteration, and more recently, window replacement. Great care has been taken to preserve examples of the everyday types, as well as the spectacular.


Charles Brooking would like to thank the various window companies, particularly in the Guildford area of Surrey, who have kindly donated important examples over the last 25 years.


Continued >>


Sash-weights can be dated in many cases by their casting details. Several foundries marked their products, particularly Carron of Falkirk, Scotland


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