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.
To figure out the timing of when it was likely created, most look to paintings. One in particular, Johannes Vermeer’s The Milkmaid, stands out. In this painting, a sash window can be seen in the background. This leaves many to believe that it was created around or before the time of the painting, which has tentatively been dated to be around 1657. However, one thing is certain, they were being installed in England in the 1670′s and the proof is Ham House.
When looking at who may have invented these windows, some point towards Robert Hooke. He was definitely around during that time and considered brilliant. But it is also shown that he during the 1650′s he was a chorister, worked as a chemical assistant, and then employed as a philosopher’s assistant till 1662. During those years as a philosopher’s assistant he assisted in constructing, operating, and demonstrating an air pump or a “machina Boylean”. However, he was brilliant and had a keen eye and known for his adeptness in mathematics.
Although still open for debate on whether Robert Hooke truly was the creator or not, that doesn’t change the fact that they made an impact on people’s lives. These types of windows were being used in the finest homes during that time in England and continued to follow that trend in other areas. Sash windows became a status symbol and as their popularity spread they were adapted to fit different types of buildings ranging from palaces to cottages.
Their popularity was based not only on their fashion status, but also on the simplicity and the advantages of having them. The ability to ventilate the hope while keeping out the rain created a demand for these new types of windows. And, that demand spread in time.
During the Georgian period sash windows changed design, instead of one moving sash there were suddenly two. As the improvement in glass started, larger panes began to appear in windows. This led to the classic Georgian design of six over six panes of glass with narrow bars.
The question of who invented the sash window and what is its origins may never be answered. But this style of window has proved to be enduring, lasting through several centuries, going in and out of fashion till they are as common as anything else today. Victorian and Georgian homes can be seen with them still today and despite their age, the skills and craft needed in caring for these windows is still used today.
Learn more about exactly who invented the sash window and what is its origins now in our complete top sash window company london and sash window refurbishment London review.
