Lovers
of architecture and design would be in heaven within the city walls
of Prague. This city known as the "golden city of spires"
is awash with period details from the dynamic Baroque style to Art Nouveau
and Cubism.
Prague has examples
of architecture that spans over one thousand years. It was spared from
heavy war damage and now displays so much beauty that viewers are inspired
at every corner.
Both domestic and
business properties in Old Prague are heavily decorated with large slabs
of granite, carved wood, stone statues and painted plaster decorations
on an enormous scale. Doorways span 20 feet high and surrounding it
is art that tells a story or depicts a religious tale. Before the 18th
century Prague's homes had no numbered addresses so each house had to
be identified by its name. The door entrances influenced by the dramatic
baroque style became away of identifying an address and this style of
design continued throughout the years.
Doors
Decoding
the Guardians of Prague streets by Ilya Marritz
A
brief history of Prague: Prague Spot
"The
best way of finding the right style of front door is to look at the
other houses in the neighbourhood. Chances are you'll see the original
style for your house, but don't try and commit it to memory always take
a photo of the other doors before you choose one for you." Channel
4 Homes
Internet
links for period and reproduction doors
Mongers
Architectural Salvage: Period Doors
Bygones
Salvage Doors
Scottish
Doors
Dorset
Doors
Salvo
Doors
Peco
of Hampton Doors
Internet
links for period and reproduction door furniture
The
Period Ironmonger
Reminis
Period Restoration Emporium: Door Furniture
Willow
and Stone Door Fittings
The
Paint Stripper: Door Funiture and Door Handles
BBC
Homes 1930's
Useful
Links to Period Door Articles
Advice
for fitting period handles and lock settings: Scottish Doors
The
Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings
Bernards
Door Furniture Period Styles FAQ
The
Window Man: An understanding of the times
Fylde
Borough Council: Window, Doors and Joinery Advice
Forum
Debates
Prague
Spot Forum
Channel
4 Homes Forum
Useful
Research Websites
BBC
Homes 1920's:
BBC
Homes 1930's
Hidden
House History
Francis
Frith Photo Archive
The
Geffrye Museum
English
Architecture: Britain Express
Looking
at Buildings: Pevsner Architectural Guides
Glass
Replacement - Sidelights on Front Door