Where Did Sash Windows Originate?
The question as to when sash windows started being used in residences has several answers. There is evidence of sash windows being used in Europe as far back as the thirteenth century, although these simple windows would have been in the form of timber shutters and not the sophisticated weighted and balanced units that were in evidence at the height of the popularity of the sash window several centuries later.
Much later in the late fifteenth or sixteenth century, glazing started to become easier to produce, more affordable and began to be put into sash windows and improved sash window designs came to England from France around the time of the French revolution. The usage of vertical sliding sash windows is subject to even more discussion and debate, with some architectural historians saying that this design originated in Holland and with others claiming that it was the French that were the first to use sliding sashes, hence the name 'sash', derived from the French 'chassis' (frame).
It is believed that the first weighted and balanced sash windows were invented in England, where the new ideas brought in from France were further developed.
Whether or not timber sash windows were invented in England, it is there that they found their calling, as sash windows are very suited to a moist, mild climate. This is because they can be opened slightly, which suits wet climatic conditions and they are also less susceptible to rot than other windows.
So the English took sash windows to their heart and some of the best examples of sash windows were soon visible throughout Britain in the houses of the upper classes, replacing earlier window styles. The fact that these sash windows were suitable to the British climate is proven by the fact that there are many examples of sash windows from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries still in existence and in working order to this day.
From these early designs came further developments, peaking during the Georgian period, when changes were made to the sash window design, making the upper and lower frames movable, whereas up to then only the lower frame could be opened and closed. It was also during this period that the classic 'six over six' pane formation became the norm.
The surge in the popularity of sash windows continued, especially in England, and it peaked during the Victorian period when sash windows were an integral part of the building design. Sash windows were the most popular window in use at that time, but since then the popularity of the sash windows has been in decline.
There have been various reasons given for this, but cost of production would have to be a major factor, as sash widows at that time took longer to make and therefore were more expensive than other window types.
Much action has been taken by planners, conservation sections of councils and heritage councils in order to try and preserve old sash windows, both by introducing planning laws to stop people replacing old sash windows, even if they are replacing them with sash windows made from another product besides timber. Much more work needs to be done however, if the traditional timber sash window is to survive in this age of mass production.
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Comments
Interesting article. My daughter is a timber framer and has spent many hours making sash windows for vintage homes under renovation.
Thanks for the positive feedback astjern. Hopefully timber sash windows will make a comeback over time. Tell you daughter to keep up the good work!
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