8350 M95 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY FINE ARTS LIBRARY Adapting Leaden Fittings to the Modern House ♦ A Reprint CDItNHX UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES ITHACA. N. Y. 14853 Fine Arts Library Sibley Hall Adapting Leaden Fittings to the Modern House By Bernliardt E. Muller, A. I. A. [Reprinted by courtesy "1 of YOUR HOME— a Macfadden Publication J LEAD INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION Graybar Building, 420 Lexington Avenue, New Vork A CISTERN AND FLOWER BOXES OF LEAD WILL BEAUTIFY THE SIMPLE WEATHERED ENGLISH COTTAGE OF WORN STONE AND RED TILE ROOF AND MAKE IT STAND OUT AS A PLACE THAT IS WELL REMEMBERED HIDDEN treasure lies within the silvery gray patina of lead for those who have the artistic sensibility to appre- ciate the beauty of its color, the delightful texture of its surface and the straightforward sincerity of its metal. Lead has a long tradition of artistic usefulness. It was held in high repute for over two thousand years until, as we are told, its association with the trade of plumbing finally brought it into some artistic disfavor in the nineteenth century. Lead was used from earliest times in the days of Egypt and Assyria, Mycenae and Tiryns. We hear of it in connection with the Hanging Gardens of Nebuchadnezzar and with Herodotus' account of the bridge of Queen Nitocris spanning the Euphrates at Babylon. The Romans used lead for many purposes. The Byzantines made of Constantinople a city of lead domes as the English made of London a city of lead spires at a later period. It is to England that we turn for the highest artistic expression of lead, for she has rightly been called "the classic land of lead and tin." In the twelfth century when artists worked for the joy of their work, there was a great flowering of decorative leadwork, especially of fonts. The charm of medieval architecture was greatly enhanced by its beautiful lead work. Ecclesiastical architecture was enriched by fleches, spires, fmials. crockets, gargoyles and crosses of lead. Tudor builders, charmed by its beauty, made copious use of it for building purposes. Tudor palaces and manor houses were glorified by richly decorated gutters, downspouts, rainwater pipe-heads, crockets, cis- terns, and garden sculpture of lead. Even the humble cottagers were not insensible to its artistic appeal, for we have surviving examples of gutters and rainwater pipe-heads which once adorned the simple peasant dwellings. Lead takes an important place in ornamental metal work not only because of its artistic traditions but even more so because of its inher- ent qualities. Its beauty, its capability of artistic manipulation, its ductility and durability recommend its employment. Lead does not rust like iron, but takes on a lovely silvery gray or whitish brown patina when exposed to the weather. The facility with which lead may be fused and worked permits many methods of treatment. Lead may be cast, beaten or rolled. In England lead was usually cast on a bed of coarse sand, while in France the "repousse" method by hammering was more frequently adopted. Being ductile, it is very easily beaten into shape over wooden or iron cores, and patterns thus formed on its surface. It lends itself to inscribing, carving, embossing, tinning and coloring. The peculiar fitness of lead for use in domestic architecture should be given careful consideration. To realize its possibilities to the full- est extent it must be used wisely. It must be used with a nice regard for the purpose of the object to be formed from it. In design and workmanship it must express architectural fitness. It is because the builders in the Middle Ages understood its uses so well, because they employed it with such discriminating understanding, adapting its uses to the material it accompanies, that lead attained to such a high artistic expression in their day. Since lead was used so extensively in the earlier periods, and since it contributed so largely to the beauty of Norman, Gothic and Tudor architecture, it is obvious that in re-creating their spirit we must employ the same media to obtain similar effects. For example, the synthesis of these architectural styles would be utterly destroyed by using galvanized iron for gutters and downspouts. We are all more or less familiar with the uses of lead for the Eng- lish manor house and ecclesiastical buildings. We are not so accus- tomed, however, to seeing lead used for the cottage because of its cost. Its initial cost is unquestionably greater than the cost of galvanized iron, which is commonly used for the inexpensive house, but it is cheaper in the final analysis because lead is practically indestructible, whereas galvanized iron is comparatively short lived. With lead there is no upkeep or replacement cost. The increased cost may also be charged to the enjoyment to be derived from a beautiful piece of dec- orated lead work. In selecting our interior furnishings, we are willing to indulge our love for the beautiful by buying things which we enjoy having about us, and are not always governed entirely by their cost. Is it not just as important to consider the architecture of one's house and whenever possible select our article because of its beauty rather than because of its price? How may lead be used to beautify the simple little cottage of European design? It may be used in a number of significant ways, as rainwater conductors, cisterns, flower boxes, sun-dials, chimney pieces, door panels, and garden sculpture. Rainwater conductors came into being from the necessity of find- ing adequate means of diverting rainwater from a building. Gar- goyles had for centuries been commonly used on the Continent, but they did not suffice in England, where the rainfall is much greater. So England created the downspout or leader and glorified it by mak- ing it of lead, beautiful in design. Since every cottage requires water conductors unless it has water- proofed foundations of ample thickness, lead may be used appro- priately for this purpose, because of its durability as well as beauty. Gutters and leaders are usually destructive to the architectural con- ception of a house, but they can be made an integral unit of its design by fashioning them of lead. Can you not imagine the fascinating effect of richly decorated lead gutters, leaders and rainwater pipe- heads against the blank masonry wall of an Old- World cottage with a vegetated red tile roof? The very thought of decorated lead, red tiles and moss-covered stones evokes a delightful picture. The cottage may be of the simplest peasant type, yet it may be given distinction and rare charm as well as definite architectural quality and tradition by its decorative leadwork. In the Tudor period rainwater pipes were usually flat and square rather than round, because there was less danger of a square pipe bursting in freezing weather. They were sometimes plain, but more /t /^,' ^^ Bjr' '* *""'X,^ '-^ »..•!. -*«»•» -^««~ THE QUAINT PIPE-HEAD OF LEAD IS QUITE BEAUTIFUL AS WELL AS DURABLE FOR THE ENGLISH COTTAGE TYPE OF HOUSE WHICH IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY POPULAR TODAY often tellingly decorated. Some of the designs preserved from this early period are being copied by manufacturers today in a most delightful fashion for the small cottage. Let us consider some of the simple designs suitable for the small house. A very unobtrusive and yet altogether charming one for the downspout is the twisted or rope motif extending down both edges of the face of the pipe. With it can be used a rather wide pipe-head with molded edge and a rosette ornament in the center to relieve its plainness. The dot and dash pattern carried down both sides of the face of the pipe is another simple and yet very pleasing design. The same pipe-head with rosette ornament can be used with it, but this design calls for narrower ears. Other appropriate motifs may be foijnd in combinations of squares and semi-circles, or circles and dots running diagonally across the face of the pipe. Some designs show ovals and diamond-shaped lozenges, checkers, and zig-zags. The fleur-de-lis and chevron pat- terns are charming for the Norman manor so popular at present. The diaper design is always pleasing and can be used for an all-over pattern. For a more elaborate treatment the grape vine with tendrils and leaves with or without clusters of fruit makes a very rich pattern. »«sys«WMftB™,>-«(ji:/flif»*45»«Tw«iw*rt"^ "T 'i SUCH A ROOM AS THIS ONE WITH A HOODED FIREPLACE CAN GAIN AN OLD WORLD ATMOSPHERE BY ACQUIRING A HOOD OF DECORATED LEAD TO GLEAM IN SILVERY SPLENDOR The Tudor rose is also effective. For a contrasting effect a very simple and quite narrow pipe-head should be used with molded edge and center ornament that will harmonize with and become a part of the design of the downspout. Rainwater pipe-heads or leader boxes are used to fasten the down- spout against the wall of the house and serve as basins to catch the water from the gutters and carry it to the downspouts. They admit of very interesting treatment and add greatly to the beauty of lead gutters and downspouts. In order to secure contrast and to set off the design of the downspout, a plain or simple decorated pipe-head is generally used with a richly decorated leader. A plain downspout would require a more elaborate treatment of the pipe-head. Some old pipe-heads from fifteenth century Haddon Hall are still extant, and it is interesting to note that they show their derivation from the earlier stone gargoyles in the grotesque heads used in their design. Others have intricate open tracery with a cornice and dentil or are battlemented. Heraldic devices, coats of arms, initials, dates, chequers and chevrons flourished in this period. In selecting a pipe-head for the cottage we have a large variety to choose from, since, as we have said, manufacturers are today repro- ducing the best of the old designs. We may be influenced in our choice by the intriguing shape of the pipe-head or by its ornamentation. Lx)ng, narrow pipe-heads are very alluring because of the quaintness of their character. They somehow seem to give a medieval atmosphere to their surroundings. We have illustrated one of these quaint pipe-heads which is quite striking for an English cottage. It is, as you see, funnel-shaped, beautifully modeled and proportioned. Its slender, tapering shape is set off by the plain panel forming its ears. It has a simple raised ornament in the center with raised moldings and molded edge. Its vigor and straightforward sincerity are in harmonious accord with the stonework of the cottage. A plain, round downspout and a gutter with molded edge have been used so that the eye may be directed to the pipe-head. Gutters should, of course, harmonize with the design of the down- spouts and pipe-heads. Sometimes they repeat the design of the for- mer and again they are in contrast with them. They are equally diver- sified in their patterns. Has it ever occurred to you that a wrought lead flower box would be delightful for your picturesque little cottage? It makes a very charming appeal because it seems to give just the culminating touch to its architectural character and design that you have perhaps felt lacking in your house. Visualize, if you will, the colorful effect of brilliantly scarlet geraniums or vivid orange calendulas against the silvery gray patina of lead. Doesn't the pale coldness of the metal seem to give warmth to the scintillating colors of the flowers and to emphasize the softness of their forms? The lead flower box may be in a number of designs. If used against a wall of patterned brickwork, a plain one would be in charm- ing contrast. The decorated one, however, is very ornamental against a plain stucco background. For this purpose a telling effect may be achieved by employing an old conventional design of Tudor roses alternating with merrily prancing lions. Top and bottom may be finished off with a rope molding. A conventional treatment of birds is also very lovely. Perhaps you would like conventionalized forms of sea life — fishes, star-fish, shells and seaweed — for your flower box. It cannot be gainsaid that the initial cost of the metal flower box is greater than the wooden one. But in the end it is more economical because it is practically indestructible, it is there for all time. What a glorious heirloom a lovely lead flower box would make for gen- erations to come! And now for what I confess to be a real bit of extravagance and yet one so intriguing that I wish every home owner might succumb to its allurements. 1 refer to the lead cistern rich in Old World asso- ciations of doorway gardens and paved courtyards. Does it not call forth a romantic picture of the past, of old English country houses with lead cisterns and hand-carved doorways? The lead cistern was in common use in England in the seventeenth and eighteenth cen- turies as a means of storing rainwater. . Lead cisterns are generally quite simple in shape, circular or rec- tangular, but occasionally polygonal. In design they vary from sim- ple geometrical patterns to very elaborate all-over decorations. Some- times they show the owner's initials and date on their face which enhances their value for future generations. They can be had with faucets. An accompanying sketch shows a lead cistern and flower box used charmingly with an English cottage of weather-worn stone and red tile roof. The leaded windows combine very happily with them and serve to link the color elements of the design together. The decorative quality given to the simplicity of the cottage by the cistern and flower box is most engaging. A leaded bay window suitable for a small cottage is also illus- trated. The cottage is so simple with its straight, plain, unbroken roof lines that its severity is nicely relieved by its decorative leaded bay. One can readily visualize its beauty and the ravishing color effect of lead, painted or delicately tinted casements of old green or amber glass against which sparkle brilliant red or orange flowers. However simple and inexpensive the masonry cottage may be, the leaded bay window justifies itself by the inimitable charm it gives to it. It glorifies the commonplace cottage reflecting the beauty of the best architectural traditions. The bay may be secured from any manufacturer of decorative lead work or be made up according to an architect's drawings. It comes framed up in wood and then sheathed in sheets of hand-made lead work, simply or elaborately decorated. Sometimes plain panels are used, but when a richer effect is desired the panels can be filled with reproductions of the quaint designs of the medieval period such \ THE DECORATIVE LEAD BAY WINDOW RELIEVES THE UNBROKEN ROOF LINES OF THE SMALL COTTAGE AND GIVES OPPORTUNITY FOR PAINTED OR DELICATELY TINTED CASEMENTS OF RICH- COLORED GLASS as the cycle of the year's work, and the Virtues and the Vices. For an all-over pattern the grape vine with leaves and clusters of fruit is attractive. Would your garden seem quite complete without a sun-dial to tell the hours? The very thought of a lead sun-dial suggests an alluring picture of a precious English cottage garden gay with Canterbury bells and foxgloves, pinks and sweet-williams. One that expresses the seemly inscription on its face, "a. garden is a lovesome thing." What could give such tranquil intimacy to the garden as this sun- dial ! Standing out in bold relief to catch the sun's rays, it seems to link heaven and earth and to radiate a friendly, intimate mood. The humility and unobtrusiveness of its metal belong definitely to the domestic spirit of the garden. If one has a fringed water pool, a lead fountain figure would be quite enchanting. In Pan with his pipes, the Satyr Youth or an animal form such as a frog, duck or pelican a subject may be found to express the informal playful spirit. Lead may also be employed quite as charmingly on the interior. Lead has such adaptability that it graciously lends itself to a great diversity of uses. One of the loveliest uses of lead for the interior of a cottage is the chimney-piece, or fireplace hood. If one is so fortu- nate as to have a hooded fireplace, one can make it a thing of rare beauty by giving it a hood of decorated lead. The hooded fireplace dates back to the end of the thirteenth cen- tury when it was first used with a wall fireplace built flush with the wall to catch up the smoke and to lead it to an orifice in the house wall. To the house of today of old English or Norman interior it gives a definite atmosphere in keeping with its design. An accompanying sketch of one of these shows a hood of deco- rated lead. The steeply sloping form with standing seams and scal- loped band at the bottom faithfully reproduces the character of the early hoods. Its only decoration is the naive medieval figure in the center. Its very simplicity, however, enhances the soft color and exquisite texture of the sanded surface of the lead. It achieves its beauty entirely by its form and material. This hood has been used in a room with a stone floor, rough plaster walls and timber roof. He who appreciates the unusual would be delighted with a door enriched with a panel of lead, antique in design. The family coat-of- arms in lead would make a very unique and handsome panel. Lead friezes of pierced tracery are suitable for cupboards, book- cases and also chimney-pieces. While the patina of lead is really very beautiful left in its natural state, yet where a more colorful effect is desired it may be painted as it was in the past. Heraldic designs and chevrons were frequently painted in colors of vermilion and blue, green and white, or red and gold, giving a very splendid effect. Sometimes the patterns were out- lined in lampblack and the design filled in with color. "Tinning" of lead is another interesting treatment inherited from the past. Here the pattern is formed by applying bright solder to the surface of the lead. It can then be painted with a transparent color in order to permit the luster of the tinning to shine through. An interest in decorative lead work for the small house is one which the cottager cannot well afford to overlook. It will transform that which is only commonplace or even banal into a real archi- tectural worthiness. njarious kinds of leaden fittings, pleasingly adapted to modern homes in this country, are illustrated on the following pages. a a X X UJ X l- a< 3 id < z o (/3 Z P< UJ w H a t/5 < o LU hJ i- o a o s a: 1- S2 i UJ H w H C/D D D O O ^ X (fi » en O E a z H ? S >- -s m a < WURTS BROS. 1689 IS THE DATE ON THIS ROMANTIC OLD LEAD CISTERN WHICH, IN A NEW LOCATION IN THIS COUNTRY, CONTINUES TO ADD THE SAME FINAL ATTRACTIVE TOUCH TO A MODERN HOME THAT IT YIELDED IN THE OLD WORLD THROUGH HUNDREDS OF YEARS FOR CENTURIES ORNAMENTAL LEAD LEADER-HEADS, GUTTERS AND DOWN- SPOUTS HAVE NOT ONLY ADDED TO THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF HOUSES, BUT HAVE ALSO PROVEN REAL ECONOMIES THE PALE COLDNESS OF A LEAD FLOWER BOX OR URN WITH ITS SILVERY GRAY PATINA ACCENTU- ATES THE COLORFUL WARMTH OF FLOWERS \\ IRTS TIKOS. LEADEN FIGURES OF ALL KINDS MAY BE FOUND IN GARDENS, ON GATE POSTS OR ON ROOFS, IN- CREASING THE INTEREST OF A LANDSCAPE OR HOUSE MADISOX SQUARE PRESS NEW YORK CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 3 1924 058 500 608