Georgian/Period Front Door & Lamp

[atlasfever]

Hi Folks,

I have an opportunity to get the freeholder of my building (i have the flat) to fix/refurbish some of the exterior of the building. I have attached some photos below. Could you give feedback on the following;

1. Photo of the metal arch with a ring at the top. He has agreed to reinstate the light. I took a photo of another building on the street that seemed to also have a metal arch with ring and a light on top. Does this look correct? I'm looking for a reference to give to him/surveyor. Suggestion?

2. This door is a side door to the building that was added during the victorian or edwardian period. I have asked for the glazing at the top to be replaced as some cheap 80s glass was installed. And, for a new light fixture. Can you recommend what I could specify? Hanging light? Arched light? Anything? Please share your knowledge, it's really appreciated.

Thanks guys, A

 

[atlasfever]

Oops, forgot to attach photos:

 

[atlasfever]

And 2 more.

 

[LadyArowana]

I believe the correct term for the metal light support you illustrate is "overthrow" ( Gareth or one of our other knowledgable bods will correct I'm sure ). Quite common for Georgian places. I know there are lots in Bath, picture is Lansdown Crescent, but there are many others. This general article is quite interesting on the history of the lights that were used as the fuel was changed from oil to gas and finally electricity. http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/SiteColle...ng/Documents/The hub of the Circus Part 2.pdf

For even more nerdiness on plans for reinstating external Georgian lighting http://idox.bathnes.gov.uk/WAM/doc/...UME2&contentType=application/pdf&pageCount=31

I think your neighbouring one may be a mish mash with someone putting something together, rather than a totally original piece. I say that because it looks ike they have filled in the ring and then mounted something on top, rather than the ring forming part of the actual lamp................. but I could be wrong.

 

[Penners]

The reinstated light on the front door arch should look very elegant. Here's an example of one on another property occupied by a tenant:

As for the side door, I agree that the modern bulkhead lamp is very unsympathetic. I don't claim any special knowledge of Georgian style (other son this forum have much more than me) but I think I would go for something very classical and simple, such as this (if there's sufficient headroom):

 

[Feltwell]

Here's an example of one on another property occupied by a tenant:

That phrase has a nice temporary feel to it! :wink: :roll:

 

[Penners]

Here's an example of one on another property occupied by a tenant:

That phrase has a nice temporary feel to it!

Be careful what you wish for, Feltwell...

 

[Feltwell]

Hmmm - which is the lesser of two evils........

It strikes me at the rate we're going it will be decided purely by to whom the Lib Dem voters defect. Not the greatest moment for our country.

Anyway, back to lamps....

I agree with Lady A - although done neatly, I suspect your neighbour's lamp is a later alteration. Having said that, as your overthrow is now it does look rather like it is missing something,and a copy of your neighbour's design would look much better than nothing at all.

However this comment is based purely on aesthetics, and those on here who actually know something about Georgian townhouses may well have more informed comments to make!

Penners' lamp for the side door looks good, so long as it would be out of reach of any ne'er-do-wells passing by.

 

[Penners]

which is the lesser of two evils........

I would say the one on the right (in every sense)...

 

[LadyArowana]

which is the lesser of two evils........

I would say the one on the right (in every sense)...

Where's Matt? Isn't he the one who makes these judgements? :lol:

 

[Gareth Hughes]

The circular ring suggests it was probably a lantern like the ones at the top of this selection:

http://www.ironart.co.uk/bespoke.php?section=13&cat_id=30

Certainly the neighbour's one misunderstands the purpose of the ring, which is to suspend the lantern from, not to support it at the base.

 

[atlasfever]

Wow. thanks, that was a great link. I've just emailed them to find out more, cost, etc.

thanks guys!

 

[atlasfever]

WOW. The company emailed me back with a quote between £500 to £800 depending on style, for the lamp only w installation, but no electrical fitting.
Now I understand why so many of the streets' overthrow lamps have not been replaced.

 

[LadyArowana]

I actually think that sounds quite reasonable :lol: when I was searching for even a small lantern type fitting for the hallway anything nice was more than that. I have premonition that you are about to find out why there is a modern bulkhead type light above the door too :shock:

 

[JoceAndChris]

Absolutely. A nice light of any size always seems to make a mess of £500 -£1000, and of course you can pay considerably more!

Oh, love all those elegant Georgian doorways. Atlasfever, you're so lucky to live there! Looking at the pics, I think flagstones would be best on the path.

 

[JoceAndChris]

I wonder where Mr P's suggested lantern is from?

The trouble I'm having with finding one is that I wouldn't want to put one intended indoors outdoors. I think you need a proper exterior fitting.

Here's a simple Jim Lawrence one that will be a good deal cheaper than anything by Christopher Wray or Robert Kime.

http://www.jim-lawrence.co.uk/ProductDetail/8574/Standard-Canterbury-Lantern

I think it would blend in well provided you have sufficient height.

 

[atlasfever]

"you're so lucky to live there."

I tell you, I'm not sure there's any luck involved I have waited for 3 years to find this type of flat, been likely over-picky, and probably wasted too much money renting in the meantime. So, lucky? or wasteful?

Anyway, I sold my soul to the devil (hsbc). Cough cough, mortgage.