The conservatory has a long and exotic history,and while still retaining its luxury status has now become an affordable addition to your property. This was certainly not the case when the conservatory,or garden room,was first introduced in the 18th century.Then it was the preserve of Europes elite,added to only the grandest homes and often described as an orangerie.
These early constructions were predominantly for the protection of exotic palms,and other tender plants during the harsh winter months.These orangeries may originally have been thought of as greenhouses purely for plants,but as interest grew in these new,exotic,and horticultural specimens the rooms soon became popular for more general use.It was a natural progression from home to garden.
The buildings were usually very grand,free standing and tall.With many stone features they overlooked the most impressive grounds.When the summer arrived,large tables and chairs replaced many of the plants to enable dining and entertaining.Glazing techniques at this time were very primitive and it wasn't until many years later that the tile or lead roofs on these first garden rooms were replaced with glass.
When glass became a more affordable everyday material the conservatory began to evolve into an iron superstructure.This also helped the architects of the day create ever more elaborate and eye catching buildings in which glass became the principle element.House plants were at home in these new rooms throughout the year.
The Palm House at Kew completed in 1848,briskly followed by the Crystal Palace Exhibition Hall for the 1851 Trade Fair,were two of the finest examples of this early conservatory architecture and marked a turning point in conservatory construction.
Very soon middle and upper class England began to adopt this style and adapt it for a domestic environment.Whilst still grand and intricate many conservatories were now on a much smaller scale.The incorporation of finials,crestings,laced window panes,coloured glass,and decorative brackets epitomised this era.
Around this time the large dining tables and entertaining areas were sacrificed to make way for plants arriving from the colonies.Plants such as orchids,begonias,and tree ferns could now truly be propagated in England.This also meant that seating became confined to small areas suitable only for tea and gossip!
This trend continued into Edwardian times,as the conservatory became smaller,more affordable,and therefore more popular.Often furnished with decorative floor tiling,wicker furniture from Madeira,and exotic palms in bright Doulton this room became the venue for a wider range of household leisure pursuits.
The First World War brought an abrupt end to the conservatory boom and by the twenties hardly any new conservatories were being erected.
It wasn't until about 50 years later that conservatories saw a return to peoples homes.Although these new buildings adopted the style of the 1800's they have evolved with larger door openings creating a true link between home and garden-a feature not present on the Victorian conservatory.Yet the purpose is similar to that of the 18th century orangeries-relaxing,entertaining and dining with full garden views.
Just as the development of glass and glazing techniques prompted the development of the original conservatory,new designs and engineering techniques have made it a practical room for today.The revived interest in these historic buildings is in part due to developments in ventilation,heating,and even double glazing.
Today conservatories can be as safe and robust as brick built rooms,therefore opening up the area to many new purposes such as a childrens play area,dining room,study,breakfast room to name a few.