PROPERTY / LIVING HISTORIES: Directory: 4 The Edwardian House
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lighting: Around the end of the 19th century, when electric lighting came into better-off homes, W A S Benson turned the electric light into a new art form characterised by elegance of line. So claims expert Fritz Fryer, 12 Brookend Street, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR9 7EG (tel 0989 67416), specialist in antique decorative lighting, who still discovers and sells Benson's original work. Other delights in his shop include Edwardian hanging ceiling lights, brass table lamps and standard lamps.
Bathrooms: By the Edwardian era most homes had a bathroom and separate lavatory. Old cast-iron enamel baths that have lost their sheen can be properly re-enamelled through Drummond's of Bramley, Birtley Farm, Horsham Road, Bramley, Guildford GU5 OLA (tel 0483 898766). Baths are sent to a specialist plant in Eastern Europe where the thick, glossy, slightly undulating surface that characterises a period bath, is recreated. Drummond's also has lots of antique roll-top and canopy baths, cisterns, taps, washbasins and toilet bowls. Stained glass: The Arts and Crafts movement helped revitalise the craft of stained glass. Designs were sinuous, with the convolvulus and tulip popular motifs. Ian Caldwell of Caldwell Designs, 48 Angus Drive, South Ruislip, Middlesex HA4 OSB (081-845 3375) repairs and restores stained glass.
Ironmongery: Arts and Crafts architects took inspiration from the vernacular, respecting simple materials. Doors, for example, often had wrought-iron fittings to emphasise craftsmanship. A tiny smithy, Forgeries, The Old Butchery, High Street, Twyford, Winchester, Hampshire S021 1RF (0962 712196), uses the hammer and the fire to forge authentic-style ironmongery to order - latches, levers, bolts, strap hinges and so on, along with handmade rose head nails and studs.
General background: The Victorian Society has produced the first two guides of a series dealing with the restoration of Edwardian (and Victorian) houses ( pounds 3 each, inc p & p). It is at 1 Priory Gardens, Bedford Park, London W4 1TT, tel 081-994 1019 (the number we gave last week was incorrect).
(Illustration omitted)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments