Window Grille thumbnail 1
Window Grille thumbnail 2
+3
images
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
On display at V&A South Kensington
Europe 1600-1815, Room 3

This object consists of 2 parts, some of which may be located elsewhere.

Window Grille

1700-50 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

From the Middle Ages until the 19th century, iron was often used as part of the decoration of windows and balconies. For many centuries, windows were small and open to the elements (the word 'window' is derived from 'wind's eye'). In the 16th century glass was introduced into wealthy peoples' houses, becoming common only in the course of the 18th century. Iron grilles were also used to secure windows from malevolent intruders, but at the same time could be highly decorative, as in this very elaborate example.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Window Grille
  • Window Grille
Materials and techniques
Wrought iron
Brief description
Window grille, wrought iron, Germany, about 1700
Physical description
Window grille of wrought iron, of interlaced foliate ornament and with an elaborate cresting, embossed and engraved, the bars threaded through each other and with return ends.
Dimensions
  • Height: 205cm
  • Width: 117cm
  • Depth: 29cm
Subjects depicted
Summary
From the Middle Ages until the 19th century, iron was often used as part of the decoration of windows and balconies. For many centuries, windows were small and open to the elements (the word 'window' is derived from 'wind's eye'). In the 16th century glass was introduced into wealthy peoples' houses, becoming common only in the course of the 18th century. Iron grilles were also used to secure windows from malevolent intruders, but at the same time could be highly decorative, as in this very elaborate example.
Bibliographic references
  • Campbell, Marian. An Introduction to Ironwork. London: Her Majesty's Stationery Office, 1985. 48 p., ill. ISBN 0112904157
  • Campbell, Marian Decorative Ironwork, London, Victoria and Albert Museum, 1997, p.33. ill. ISBN:1851771956
  • Starkie Gardner, J., Ironwork Part II, London, 1930, pp. 33-34 and pl 16
Collection
Accession number
5974-1858

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Record createdJune 24, 2009
Record URL
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