Following the history of the conservatory back through changes in design and purpose, it appears that the conservatory originated from the 17th century. Conservatories and orangeries were originally designed for the purpose of growing exotic plants and fruits which could not normally be grown in the UK due to the harsh winters and cool summers compared to some of the warmer parts of the world. Orangeries where the original design which over the years have evolved into what we now know as conservatories.
The construction of conservatories remained out of reach to the general population until industrial advances and institutional changes in the nineteenth century. Due to changes in certain taxes on glass being removed in 1845 and improvements in the manufacturing of the steel required for the conservatories which resulted in a drop in the cost of the materials required in order to construct a conservatory, this luxury item became far more accessible.
It was not until the First World War that the conservatory popularity began to decline again. One of the most famous conservatories of the time has to be Crystal Palace which was designed by Sit Joseph Paxton. It was erected in twenty-two months in Hyde Park for the Great Exhibition of 1851 otherwise known as the Crystal Palace Exhibition. Charlotte Bronte, Charles Darwin, George Elliot and Lewis Caroll are just a handful of the famous individuals that attended the exhibition. Paxton later received a knighthood by Queen Victoria.
The Great World War ended the popularity of the conservatory. With the country worrying about bomb raids and the war overseas, conservatories suddenly became the last thing on anybody's mind.
This is not the case anymore with an improvement in technology and availability of energy. We no longer think of conservatories as being the original greenhouse or orangery that the conservatories began as. Conservatories have once again become an extremely popular addition to many properties due to the increase in technology not only making the conservatory more affordable but improving the room with the addition of double glazing. Many people now have a conservatory added to their property as an alternative to an extension, often off the kitchen at the rear of the house which allows the owner to experience the garden without leaving the house.
You do not have to even look at how many houses have conservatories on them to see how popular they are, just pick up your local phone book and you will instantly see dozens of companies in your area offering conservatories and accessories. Increasing the value of the house is the other reason why the addition of conservatories has become so popular. Its a lovely room which will add a room which is sure to attract any potential buyers.
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Vale Garden Houses design and manufacture bespoke conservatories, orangeries and roof lanterns which will create an extra room, or expland an existing room to provide the extra needed space. As well a conservatory , the Vale Garden Houses group also covers conservatory furniture and floor grilles, bronze windows and now through VelaCici offers bespoke kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms. You can read more tips here .