Daylight Robbery - London's Blocked-Up Windows
What started as an interest in the windows in London that were bricked up has now turned into an investigation of the role that light and air play in our wellbeing. The exhibition, Daylight Robbery, features 80 images of windows that have been blocked in the city.
The Great Fire of London marked an important turning point in the design of windows. This led to a shift in the architecture and the introduction of the sash windows.
What is a window?
A window is a small opening that is constructed in the wall, door or roof with the intention of letting light and air in. It is typically constructed with frames and spanners of glass, which are mounted to allow opening and closing. A window could also be described as an aperture for windows or window light pane.
There are a number of different kinds of windows, however the ones most associated with London are sash windows. These are windows that open vertically that open with an opening mechanism that slides. They are still a common feature in many older properties but they are not as prevalent in the newer constructions. Modern double-glazed sash windows are generally constructed from uPVC and can be opened in the same way as traditional sash windows but with much improved insulation.
Sash windows are distinctive. They were invented because of the narrow streets of London and the close-packed buildings. They are distinguished by two sashes that move up and down within the frame and then overlap when they are open. 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.
The windows' sashes can be opened by sliding them open or cranking like doorways. They can be double-hung, single-hung or casement. A casement opens outwards and may have sashes that are fixed in place or tilted to aid in cleaning. There are also a few casement windows that are hung on hinges that allow the window to swing in or out, similar to an awning window, or can be opened with the crank mechanism.
Sash windows can be a beautiful feature in any home, and it is not difficult to understand why they were popular for centuries. But, they have their drawbacks. One of the major issues is that it could be difficult to ensure their security in the face of modern security issues. We recommend replacing your old sash windows with the latest tilt-and-turn models that are more effective in keeping burglars from entering your home.
The Great Fire of London
The Great Fire of London was an enormous fire that destroyed the city of London on the 2nd September 1666. When the fire was extinguished, on Thursday the 6th, only four-fifths the city was still standing. It destroyed 13,000 homes, 89 churches and 52 Guild Halls. Many thousands of people were homeless. It was believed that the fire was started by a bakery located in Pudding Lane. The fire quickly spread due to the presence of combustible materials in warehouses as well as an intense easterly breeze. 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 constructed wider streets and ensured that buildings were constructed of brick instead of timber. This meant that the city was much less overcrowded.
Sash windows have been part of London architecture for centuries. They are renowned because of their blend of traditional style and modern technology. However, it took them a while to get to where they are today.
door company london were invented in the 17th century and had bars that were vertically sliding and a fixed window sash. The window could be opened into the room but not upwards into the sky. Through time, the design of the sash was altered and it became more of an open-plan window. Today the sash is still an extremely popular window and is utilized in a variety of types of homes and apartments.
Jen Pedler chose a trompe the l'oeil windows in Smithfield depicts the return of a sailor back to his family. "I enjoy it because it shows an event that could happen. It's an extremely atmospheric location and it's easy to imagine what would be going on in the room behind it," she said.
Andy Summers, an artist, has photographed more than 80 bricked up windows in the City of London as part of his ongoing project Daylight Robbery. He claims that initially he was interested in the design of the windows, but has since discovered that they hold a 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 buildings. Sash windows are typically associated with historic properties. They can be found in the streets of London from aristocratic terraces to humble townhouses.
Despite their popularity in the past, the traditional sash window styles don't always look appealing in the present day. They are known for letting in drafts, being difficult to open and close, and often getting jammed up. However, a brand new, double-glazed sash window by Lomax + Wood can be a breath of fresh air, providing a high-quality timber solution that is easy to operate and provides excellent energy efficiency.
The sash window was invented by English craftsmen, however it is not known for sure. They are also credited with modifying building regulations after the Great Fire, which led to the replacement of larger windows with frames that were narrower and less likely to catch fire. These frames that were recessed gave Georgian and Victorian buildings distinctive facades.
The sash consists of small panes that are held in muntins or glazing bars. In the past, windows were constructed of several panes, since glass was costly. If one of them broke replacing it would be expensive. The cost of glass has dropped dramatically, and windows are now constructed of one pane that has an astragal bars that give them the appearance of smaller panels.
Sash windows can be opened by sliding them, or using a box sash mechanism. They can also be opened from both the top and bottom and this is known as a double-hung sash. The two sashes inside the frame are secured by a cord. The weights are concealed in the frame to help balance the weights.
Many sash windows are more than 100 years old and may be exhibiting issues like rattles and drafts. However we can replace them with modern, double-glazed windows that are FENSA registered and meet stringent building regulations for thermal performance, security and acoustic insulation.
Windows that have been smashed
As you walk through the streets of old England You may have noticed that windows are sometimes replaced by bricks. This may sound odd, but it's a very good cause, and it involves money. In 1696, a tax on windows was applied to homeowners based on the number of windows in their homes. This tax, also known as 'daylight theft', was so hated by people that they went to great measures to avoid paying it.
One method was to construct their homes with a minimum amount of windows, or without windows at all, while others would build them up. Fortunately, this window-blocking trend was short-lived since the 'daylight theft' tax was finally pulled in 1851. It's common to find windows that have been smashed up on the exterior of older buildings. You can tell if they were windows by looking at the lintel, or sill that is matched to the original glass.
Another way to find out is to check for the stepped-back lines in the brickwork, which resembles lines that the glass would have taken up on either side. Also, check to check whether the bricks are the same colour and if there's a gap within the mortar where the window would have been, it's possible that the window was never actually blocked off.
If you are interested in learning more about the background of these windows, there's an exhibition 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 does have its flaws, chiefly in the claim that 'a lot' of the properties featured had their windows bricked off to avoid paying the Georgian-era window tax (and not just because of a general hatred for the tax). It doesn't also consider the factors that affect health, specifically health, since the introduction of the tax on windows and the so-called "lockdown" period.