A Fascinating Look At Who Invented The Sash Window And What Is Its Origins

Windows come in all shapes, sizes and designs today. But the creation of the sash window is something that stands alone. This changed windows forever, no longer was there one pain of glass that was either sealed shut or had to be opened as a whole. The invention of this type of window allowed for half a window to be open so a small draft could come through without bringing all the outdoor elements inside. However there seems to be a bit of controversy about who invented the sash window and what is its origins.

It is known through paintings such as The Milkmaid by Johannes Vermeer that they date back to at least 1657, the earliest date attributed to this painting. In that painting, a sash window is seen in the background and the inspiration from that is believed to have had come from an actual window already created. Besides the painting as a time scale for this type of window, the oldest known example is the Ham House, indicating that sash windows were installed in England in the 1670's.

Many attribute a young Robert Hooke as being the inventor of these windows. But according to researchers, during the 1650's Mr. Hooke was a chorister, employed as a chemical assistant and then was an assistant for a philosopher till about 1662. In that time he was assisting in constructing, operating, and demonstrating a "machina Boyleana" or air pump. But it is known that Mr. Hooke had a keen eye and was adept at mathematics.

So whether or not Robert Hooke invented sash windows is still open to debate today. What is clear is that these types of windows were used in some of the finest homes in England during that time and after. They become a status symbol across Britain and their popularity spread and was adapted in a range of different types of buildings, from palaces to small cottages.

The popularity of these windows, besides fashion, came about because of their simplicity and advantages. Not only were they good for providing ventilation in the home that was controlled by the owner. But they also reduced the risk of rain entering into the house, while at the same time providing that ventilation.

Changes in these window designs started to occur during the Georgian period. These changes took the window from one moving sash to two moving sashes. As the glass industry grew and improved, larger panes of glass began appearing in windows. With that growth, the classic Georgian six over six panel designs with narrow bars was born.

Who invented the sash window and what is its origins may never be completely known. But the sash style of windows has proved to have lasted throughout time. It has been several centuries since they were first introduced and still they are seen everywhere in new homes and restored older Victorian and Georgian homes. And, because their popularity is still high, the craft and skills used in restoring and caring for them is still taught today.