Victorian Conservatories

Victorian conservatories are one of the most popular styles available. Central Scotland Joinery has installed many Victorian conservatories to suit all shapes and sizes of home.

The History of the Victorian Conservatory

Conservatories had been popular for centuries, though it was only in the second half of the reign of Queen Victoria that they become more fashionable. Before 1845 there had been a tax on glass in England, based on the weight, which meant panes tended to be thin. Once this tax was removed, there was much more freedom in the world of conservatories.

Wrought iron was also expensive up to this time, where cast iron was cheaper but weak in comparison. Wrought iron was to be used in tension, and its main use was in a conservatory. In 1856, Henry Bessemer invented the Bessemer converter which meant that the production of steel was now cheaper than ever before. It was this steel that was even more suitable for the roof of a conservatory, accounting for its rise in popularity.

Conservatories became truly famous during the reign of Queen Victoria, where the Great Conservatory was built between 1836 and 1841 – described by the Queen herself as ‘the most stupendous and extraordinary creation imaginable’.

Such designs quickly inspired one of the most famous Victorian conservatories of all: the Crystal Palace. This covered 19 acres, took 22 weeks to build, and was the largest roofed space in the world (at the time). This famous conservatory was to have a huge influence on the popularity of the conservatory on Victoria’s reign and beyond – right through to the next millennium!

The Victorian Conservatory Design

Whilst the original materials used for Victorian conservatories would not have lasted a few decades, due to damage from rust or frost, there have now been huge improvements in the technology used to make sure your Victorian conservatory is an investment for the home.

In fact, all of our Victorian conservatories now make use of the latest glass technology, with Veka profiles and high quality Pilkington glass. This makes them easier than ever to maintain, whilst ensuring the quality and luxury of the Victorian design.

Victorian styles can be adapted to suit a number of styles of home, including themes such as:

• Victorian gothic designs,
• Elegant architectural details,
• Complicated, asymmetrical shapes within the roof,
• Steep roofs that mirror your existing roof,
• Fleur-de-leys roof crestings,
• Delicate frames,
• Intricate details,
• Equivalent, durable designs to match the look of the original wrought iron.

The gothic influence of the Victorian design makes them perfect for period homes, though they can also be adapted to suit any style of building. In general, they have noticeable characteristics and dark floor finishes.

The Victorians were famous for experimenting with new materials and intricate designs, which is what makes this style of conservatory so elegant and unique. Just get in contact if you want to find out more about adapting the Victorian design to suit your property.

And, for those who want a more simple look, an Edwardian design might suit you.

Some Recent Conservatory Installations

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