Product Description

For any house-proud owner of a Victorian property, this book represents a unique and invaluable resource. Packed with information about Victorian architectural ideas, building methods and materials, it includes a wealth of practical advice about the maintenance and conservation of Victorian homes. Part 1 provides a concise overview of the development of the Victorian house, the wide range of architectural styles that came in an out of fashion over the period, and the lifestyles of the original owners the houses were designed to accommodate. Throughout, the emphasis is on family houses of various sizes rather than the great houses of the aristocracy, which are discussed only in relation to their influence on contemporary builders and architects. Part 2 discusses structures and materials, covering brickwork, stone, renders and stuccos, roofs, woodwork, windows and doors, ironwork and conservatories. In each case there is comprehensive advice on symptoms of trouble, techniques for preservation and restoration, and the correct choice of materials. Part 3 covers services - fireplaces and chimneys, lighting, kitchens and bathrooms - all subjects requiring particular sensitivity to achieve a satisfactory compromise between preserving the spirit of the original building and meeting modern standards of comfort and convenience. Part 4 examines all aspects of interior decoration, including plasterwork, decorative tiles, paint colours and finishes, wallcoverings, curtains and blinds, and floorcoverings. The book is completed by lists of further reading, places to visit and useful addresses, including those of specialist suppliers and contractors.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #33231 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

About the Author
Kit Wedd is a former education officer and deputy director of the Victorian Society. She now works as a freelance editor and writer specializing in the conservation of historic buildings and interiors, and is currently researching a Ph.D. thesis on nineteenth-century interior decoration.

Customer Reviews

Informative, well presented and a good basis to start from
This book is one of the best that i have found so far, i am currently restoring my family home to the original victorian look. The pictures in the book have houses from my neighbour hood that illustrate what i want my house to look like.

I needed a basis and a guide to help me with the colours, layout and accessories needed to restore the house i recommend this book to any one who needs guidence when restoring a home to the victorian period.

A lovely book
A lovely book full of loads of ideas for your Victorian House. We have recently bought a terrace needing a lot of work and is proving a wonderful source of tips and ideas.