Victorian Composite Doors 

Victorian architecture, so stylish, so emotive, conjuring up images of times gone by, of high fashion , gas street lamps shining out over  cobble streets where horse drawn carriages were the transport of the day. A period of history which not only gave rise to  so many styles of architecture, but also fundamental changes to the industrial and commercial development of the country.

The Victorian era of architecture in the UK coincided with the reign of the Queen Victoria and lasted from 1837 – 1901, a time during which the UK enjoyed a period of political stability and prosperity encompassing the Second Industrial Revolution, which occurred during  the transition years between 1840 and 1870, a period when technological and economic progress gained momentum with the increasing adoption of steam-powered boats, ships and railways, the large scale manufacture of machine tools and the increasing use of steam powered factories.

All of these developments including the availability of new materials for use as building components, notably cast iron and steel, allowed the creative minds of British Architects to flourish. However, many elements of what is typically termed “Victorian” architecture did not become popular until later in Victoria’s reign and the styles often included interpretations and revivals of historic styles mixed with the introduction of Middle East and Asian influences,

A period rich in styles of architecture, many of which were developed concurrently giving an overlap and blurring of styles, the majority of which are still evident in the streets of any major city today.

The Jacobethan’  (1830-1870) suited to large houses, incorporating  towering chimneys, mullioned windows and four pointed arched front door way

The Neo Renaissance Greek and Italian and Gothic revivals (1840-90) with towers and turrets and asymmetrical designs, Architectural historians write of the ‘Battle of the Styles’ but it was usual that the architectural style was dictated to the architect by the whim of the client. Many of the styles were amalgamated and motifs mixed so freely that it can be difficult to identify between the various revivals. However, the popularity of certain features provided some common characteristics. Large bay windows – often of two or three stories with heavily ornate surrounds – became a dominant feature of the facade after 1850.The bay window contributed to the picturesque quality of the front but from the inside it offered more space and light – and better views. The halving of the window tax in 1832 and its repeal altogether in 1851 encouraged the use of large windows.

The Queen Anne (1870-1910) with a sweep of steps leading to a carved stone door-case, rows of painted sash windows in boxes set flush with the brickwork, stone quoins emphasizing corners and a central triangular pediment set against a hipped roof with dormers

 

It was not only the wealthy who required housing during this period, as the first industrial revolution which occurred 1760-1840 was responsible for a housing boom, where a substantial number  of houses were required to be built to house the workers and the poorer classes. This was accomplished by the development of the rows of terraced houses, many of which are still in use today. The influences of the architectural styles of the period are visible in many of these terraced properties, built with brick walls and slate roofs, with stone Bay windows and / or sliding sash windows and small discreet embellishments around window lintels and door frames. In order to maximise land usage these properties were in many instances compacted into rows with no gardens access directly onto a street with possibly a “back yard” and lane for entry to the rear of the property.

The Victorian era was a period of Architecture which generated a range of styles which were so contemporary and groundbreaking, that, the Architects of the day were able to export them around the world – examples of this proliferation can still be seen in Europe, USA and Australia.

Victorian architecture has also left a legacy of a style of front door which has endured and is still popular in the 21^st Century. Is there any door that can match the classic appearance of a well maintained aged Victorian front door when set against the splendour of a row of Victorian houses?

Victorian doors were frequently solid Oak or painted in white, dark blue or red, brown or green and they often featured elaborately stained glass and heavy furniture, many of the gothic style properties featured porches where the door was set back to the rear.

If you are looking for a replacement Victorian Door the answer may be a door made with modern materials and manufacturing techniques of a standard far in excess of those of a traditional door. A Composite door is one option that offers the classical styling of a Victorian door and should be considered. Composite doors are available in a range of five Victorian patterns with a choice of glazing, vertical panels, curved head or half glazed to match with specific requirements. They are more thermally efficient than comparable timber doors, manufactured to exacting factory standards and must comply with stringent quality control criteria and when complete with accreditations to both “Secured by design” and “PAS 24” they are as durable as any timber door.

Global Door offers a range of Victorian doors all available in wood grained colours with the opportunity to personalise your door with both our comprehensive range of both glass styles and an extensive range of accessories which are available in either chrome gold or black.

The Victorians were famous for their lifestyle and we at Global Door believe that with the choice of Victorian front doors styles we offer, any of our range of doors would not only grace any Victorian property but probably more importantly look just as good on any modern home.