Windows today come in all shapes and sizes. Whatever type of window you want can be found. When the sash window was created, it changed how the world looked at windows forever and their functionality. Finally people were able to air out their homes without welcoming the outdoor elements in with it. But there does seem to be a bit of a debate on who invented the sash window and what is its origins.
Using a painting that is tentatively dated around 1657-1658, Johannes Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, it is marked as the earliest proof of sash windows during that time period. The window was shown in the background and it is believed that because of that, it was created right around that time. However another example of those windows being installed around the 1670’s in England is the Ham House.
Many attribute a young Robert Hooke as being the inventor of these windows. But according to researchers, during the 1650’s Mr. Hooke was a chorister, employed as a chemical assistant and then was an assistant for a philosopher till about 1662. In that time he was assisting in constructing, operating, and demonstrating a “machina Boyleana” or air pump. But it is known that Mr. Hooke had a keen eye and was adept at mathematics.
Even though the debate is still open as to whether it was Robert Hooke or another, it doesn’t change things. What is up for agreement is that these windows were a status symbol for the finest homes in England during that time. All across Britain they were used in buildings ranging from small cottages to grand palaces.
The popularity of these windows, besides fashion, came about because of their simplicity and advantages. Not only were they good for providing ventilation in the home that was controlled by the owner. But they also reduced the risk of rain entering into the house, while at the same time providing that ventilation.
Changes in these window designs started to occur during the Georgian period. These changes took the window from one moving sash to two moving sashes. As the glass industry grew and improved, larger panes of glass began appearing in windows. With that growth, the classic Georgian six over six panel designs with narrow bars was born.
We may never know who invented the sash window and what is its origins. However, the style is still thriving today and has made it through centuries of architectural changes. Any street with Victorian or Georgian homes can still be seen with these windows today. That is why the art of caring and repairing these types of windows is still going strong.
Learn more about exactly who invented the sash window and what is its origins now in our comprehensive top sash window company london and sash window refurbishment London review.
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