Potted History

Conservatories were originally built as greenhouses in which to cultivate tender, exotic species in conditions of warmth and humidity.

Originally built as outbuildings for country houses, conservatories flourished in the 18th Century when glass became cheaper and travellers returned from abroad with exotic species of plants requiring near-tropical conditions. They quickly realised that conservatories were ideal and many citrus trees were cultivated (thus the name orangery) - At last, it became possible to live in the garden all year round.

In the 19th Century improved iron and glass building techniques put conservatories within the reach of humbler folk - and led to the building of large structures such as those at seaside resorts and spas and indeed the most spectacular of all - Crystal Palace in London. The popularity of the Crystal Palace led to a standardisation of the conservatory for the Victorian middle class, which became ever more ornate as tastes changed, with many of these original conservatories providing an apt setting for formal tea parties, which were popular at this time.

By the 1920s, the cast iron conservatory had succumbed to frost damage and the ravages of rust. To some extent they were also the victims of their own success, being added to smaller and smaller houses until they fell from favour with the day's glitterati! Very few new conservatories were being built and as houses became warmer and more comfortable there was a reaction against previous conservatories that tended to be cold in winter unless kept warm at almost prohibitive cost.

A lantern style design is a nod to the conservatories of time gone by, ask your JWS Installer for details.