Sash Window Specialist UK

Sir Christopher Wren’s master joiner, Thomas Kinward, recorded probably the earliest specification of a counterbalanced sash window whilst working at Whitehall Palace, London circa 1669.  Ever since, the wooden sash window has became a fashionable status symbol across the UK and British colonies. 

Georgian windows

The Georgian architectural style was current between 1714 and 1830. More than any other period of English historic architecture, Georgian style is linked with the classical period of Greece and Rome. The type of building which most characterised the Georgian period was the brick Town House, often joined end in to end in a row to create “terraces”. 

Windows from this period were almost exclusively sash-windows, consisting of multiple smaller panes of glass divided by thin, delicate wooden glazing bars.  As glass manufacturing was expensive and limited to smaller panes of glass, the narrow astragal glazing bars allowed for large window sashes .  The classic 6 over 6 Georgian Sash Window remains a perfect expression of the UK’s traditional character.

Regency windows

Regency architecture encompasses classical buildings built in the United Kingdom during the Regency era in the early 19th century when George IV was Prince Regent.  In many respects it is a natural continuation of the Georgian style which preceded it.  With the end of the Napoleonic Wars there was a long financial boom and most Regency architecture comes from this period. 

The most characteristic design surviving today is the Regency Terrace,  arranged in crescents or oval “circuses”, with a white painted stucco facade.  Typical characteristics of the Regency terrace doors were the six panel front doors with a fanlight above. Windows were typically large and constructed as six over six vertical pane sashes, ground floor windows are often round-headed.  Some properties featured garden windows, extending right down to the ground. Curved bow windows came into fashion as part of this style

Victorian windows

First appearing around 1830, the group of styles, collectively referred to as Victorian architecture is a series of architectural revival styles from the mid-to-late 19th century. With so many different styles arising during the reign of Queen Victoria, it may begin to seem as though these are all different architectural styles.  Sash Windows, columns, bay windows, turrets, dormers, cornices, and gables are the common theme.

Victorian Gothic revival

The Gothic style became widespread in the third quarter of the 19th century, characterized by its ornate stone and brick structures.  Victorian Gothic architecture was lavished with ornamentation and decoration.  Victorian sash windows incorporated curved horns, arched heads, intricate mouldings, lead-lights and latticework to adorned the sashes.  Windows were often grouped into impressive bays, offset with ornate stone reveals.  Graduating the size of windows from the ground upwards not only improved the perspective but also increased the amount of  light to the lower rooms.

Late Victorian

The Industrial Revolution brought many technological advancements, including the manufacture of larger panes of glass.  Window styles from this period were simpler, typically feature either single panes or two over two vertical split glazing pattern.  Square or splayed bay sash windows with stone sills became a common feature.

At the time that Victorian architecture became popular, many people had begun to emigrate from the British Empire and settlers in the colonies were able to utilize the latest and most fashionable advancements in Victorian architecture.  The Victorian family of architectural styles is varied, yet unique, and can be seen in many different forms throughout the world.

Queen Anne revival

Queen Anne style was a revived form of English Baroque architectural styles and is considered to span 1880–1900, although the popular style persisted for another decade. The style was named and popularized in England by the architect Richard Norman Shaw.

Queen Anne homes were embellished with bay windows and oriels. Lower window sashes usually had only a single pane of glass with the upper sash being multi-paned in a six over one configuration.  More elaborate windows featured sashes with stained glass in the upper portion.

Edwardian windows

The start of the Edwardian period began when Edward VII became king in 1901 and is generally recognized to have lasted until 1920 – 10 years after Edward’s death. Although the Edwardian period was only short, the housing boom at that time meant that the architecture of that time still heavily dominates our present homes.

Edwardian style borrowed freely from the eras that preceded it, combining the best features of the Georgian and Victorian styles.  Double hung Edwardian sash windows commonly incorporated a six over two glazing configuration. By the early 1900s, side hinged casement windows became increasingly popular.  A popular style for the casement window was to be grouped into a bow window featuring a decorative Art Nouveau or Neo-Georgian lead lights on the upper section.