Films that refurbish Jane Austens novels are produced regularly and watched eagerly by millions of people. Sash windows play their parts in the settings of these films outlining the elegance of the period. Pretty girls peep through them at a carriage and eight horses sweeping up to a house. The window slides down perfectly, closing the scene.
Things are not always so perfect in real life. Gazing through a window a man may see a pretty girl passing in the street outside. He longs to seize the moment and impart some news that will further their acquaintance. Advancing eagerly to the window he tugs. It rattles a bit and then refuses to budge. Defeated, the man gesticulates and mouths words as the girl passes. He beats on the panes with the palms of his hands. She looks up, puzzled by strange antics, and passes by.
At the height of the industrial era impressive public buildings were erected. Government offices, schools and hospitals had massive facades interspersed with rows of sash windows to let in the light and decorate what would otherwise be blank walls.
On closer inspection, after years of service, wear and tear has wrought its ravages. Cords that are supposed to link frames to weights hang loosely, having assumed a distinctive pale grey colour. Successive layers of paint and dirt clog the runners. The windows rattle in the wind and let in draughts. In many cases they obstinately refuse to budge, either up or down. In classrooms a ruler may be used to prop them up six inches to allow for air. In government offices a now unused ash tray may serve the same purpose.
Inevitably the question arises of whether to refurbish old windows or replace them with new ones. Broad expanses of bullet proof or one way glass are now available and they may be fixed in light weather proof aluminium frames. The problem is that such windows can destroy the character of a precious old building making it appear like a lady of advanced years wearing teenage trinkets.
However, older buildings were designed with sash windows as part of their character. They can still work well, circulating air through bottom and top apertures and providing opportunities for attractive curtaining.
They will slide up or down effortlessly, and remain where they have been left. Firms that specialize in refurbishing sash windows will plane and grout, removing dirt and unwanted paint. Windows will stop rattling and letting in draughts. They will continue to serve practical purposes whilst preserving the characters of the buildings in which they are set.
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