Notes

Where Will London Window 1 Year From In The Near Future?
Daylight Robbery - London's Blocked-Up Windows

What began as a fascination with the windows in London that were bricked up has evolved into an investigation of the role that light and air play in our wellbeing. The exhibition Daylight Robbery features 80 photos of the blocked-up windows all over the city.

The Great Fire of London was a significant moment in the history of window design. This led to a change in the architecture and the introduction of sash windows.

What is a window?

A window is a small opening which is built into a door, wall or roof with the intention of letting in light and air. It is often framed with glass panes mounted on the frame, allowing opening and closing. A window may also be called a window light or window aperture, or a window pane.

There are a number of kinds of windows, but the ones most often associated with London are sash windows. They are vertically opening windows that open using the help of a sliding mechanism. They are still a feature in many older properties but they are not as common in the newer constructions. Modern double glazed windows are typically constructed from uPVC and can still be opened in the same way as traditional sash windows however with much improved insulation.

Sash windows are distinctive. They were created because of the narrow streets of London and the close-packed buildings. Two sashes move up and down in the frame, and then overlap when opened. The movement of the sash is assisted by a system of pulleys and weights (known as counter balances) that can be concealed or exposed within the frame.

Sash windows can be opened either by sliding them open or by cranking them as doors. They can be single hanging, double-hung or casement. A casement opens outward, and may have sashes that are fixed in place or tilted to help with cleaning. Some casement windows are hinged and can swing in or out like an awning. They can also be opened with a crank.

It's not difficult to understand the reason why sash windows were so popular over the centuries. They have drawbacks, and among them is that they can be difficult to secure in the light of the latest security concerns. This is the reason why we suggest to consider replacing your windows that were sash-based with the most recent tilt and turn models that are more effective at keeping intruders out.

The Great Fire of London

The Great Fire of London was an enormous fire that swept through London's city centre on the 2nd September 1666. When the fire was completely slowed down on Thursday, the 6th, just four-fifths of the city was left standing. It destroyed 13,000 homes, 89 churches, and 52 Guild Halls. Thousands of people were displaced. patio door repairs london was believed to have been started by an Pudding Lane bakery. The flame quickly spread thanks to warehouses filled with material that was combustible and a strong easterly wind. Around 16 people are believed to have died.

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 built wider roads and made sure that buildings were built of brick instead of timber. The city became less crowded as a result of the fire.

Sash windows have been a part of London architecture for centuries. They are a popular choice because they offer a successful blend of traditional style and modern technology. It took an extended time to get to where they are today.


The first sash window was designed in the 17th century and featured the vertical sliding bar as well as fixed sash. The window could open out onto the room but not up into the sky. Over the years the design of the sash was altered and it became more of a box-style window. The sash remains a popular and widely used window in kinds of homes and apartments.

Jen Pedler chose a trompe the l'oeil windows in Smithfield, which depicts the return of a sailor his family. "I like it because it shows a scene that could actually take place. It's an extremely atmospheric location 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 up windows in the City of London as part of his ongoing project Daylight Robbery. east london double glazing says initially he was interested in the design of the windows, but has since found that they hold a significant historical significance.

Sash windows

The capital of the United States, with its long and rich history is home to a number of gorgeous period buildings. And sash windows are a feature that's often associated with these historic homes. They are located in the London streets from aristocratic terraces all the way to humble townhouses.

Despite their popularity in the past, the traditional sash window styles aren't always attractive in modern times. repairing double glazing windows are notorious for letting draughts in, being difficult to close or open and having their mechanisms jammed. However, a new double-glazed sash window from Lomax + Wood can be refreshing, providing a high-quality timber solution that's easy to use and has a high energy efficiency.

It's not really known who came up with the idea for the sash window however English craftsmen hold the most claim of being responsible. They are also credited with changing building regulations after the Great Fire, which led to the replacement of larger windows with narrower frames that were less likely to catch fire. These frames with recessed edges give Georgian and Victorian facades their distinctive style.

The sash is comprised of smaller panes, which are which are held in muntins, or glazing bars. In the past, windows were comprised of several panes due to the fact that glass was so expensive that should one break it would cost a lot to replace it. The cost of glass has fallen drastically, and windows are now constructed of a single pane with astragal bar applied to give them the appearance of smaller panels.

Sash windows are opened by sliding or using the box sash. Double-hung sashes can be opened from both sides. The two sashes are anchored in vertical grooves inside the frame by a sash cord, and balanced by weights that are hidden within the box frame.

A lot of sash windows are 100-years-old and may be experiencing issues such as rattles or drafts. However, we can replace them with modern, double-glazed sash windows that are FENSA registered and comply with stringent building regulations for thermal performance, security and acoustic insulation.

Windows with bricks

While walking through the streets of the old England You may have noticed that windows are sometimes replaced with bricks. Although this may seem odd, there's a very good reason behind it, and it's a matter of money. In 1696, a window tax was placed on homeowners based on the number of windows they had in their homes. Also known as the 'daylight robbery the tax was so resented that people went to extraordinary lengths to avoid it.

Some people decided to brick up their windows or construct homes without windows at all. Fortunately door refurbishment london -blocking trend was short-lived because the 'daylight robbery tax was eventually canceled in 1851. It's still common to see windows with bricks on the exterior of older buildings, and you can usually determine if they were originally windows by looking for a lintel or sill which match up to the place where the glass would have been.

Another way to find out is to check for the stepped-back line within the brickwork, which resembles lines the glass would have taken up on either side. Examine whether all the bricks have the identical colour. If there is a gap where the window ought to be, it is likely that the glass was never blocked.

The Daylight Robbery, an exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, is worth visiting for those who are interested in learning more about these windows. The exhibit looks at the effect light and air has on our health and wellbeing. It examines ways to improve our health.

The exhibit has its flaws. Particularly, it states that "many" of the houses included were bricked to get around the Georgian era window tax. (And not only because of a general disdain for the tax.) It also doesn't take into account the complexity of conditions which affect wellbeing especially health, after the introduction of the window tax, and during the so-called 'lockdown' period.

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