History of the Conservatory

A conservatory refers to a building that is attached to another building and which has more than 75 per cent of the roof and more than 50 per cent of the wall areas as translucent material. Simply put, even a small greenhouse attached to your house can be a conservatory. In Latin times it referred to a place where goods were stored but in modern day, it is more commonly a glazed structure used as an additional living room to relax in.

The Romans attempted to provide structures that let in the light but kept out the cold. These structures were primarily manufactured from sheets of mica instead of glass. The earlier conservatories in the 17th century were simple structures made of stone.

Conservatories were used by nobility, landowners and other upper class community members to protect their plants. It was during this period that scientists brought to society different plants and animal species from all over the world. In order to protect these from the harsh European climate, they had to be protected in conservatories.

The Oxford Botanic garden is thought to be the first recorded conservatory in Britain. By the 19th century, conservatories had become increasingly popular. One of the main reasons for this increased use and popularity of conservatories had to do with changing tax laws. Tax levied on the weight of glass was abolished in England in 1845. This led to a significant increase in the construction of conservatories. In fact records indicate that the great conservatory was built in 1842. It is thought to be the most astonishing and bizarre conservatory ever created.

Conservatories have come a long way since the 17th century. No longer is heavy glass and wrought iron used in their construction. The modern day conservatory is constructed from aluminium, polycarbonate and PVC. Conservatories are not only used to store goods but some may actually be used as small greenhouses.

Conservatories are now part of every day life. They are more affordable, have more varied designs, and can last for many years, much longer than the original conservatories. Apropos have a wide range of quality bespoke products combining aluminium and glass. The only limits are your imagination.

For a free conservatory brochure click here and experience pure architecture in glass.