Quizzes & Puzzles0 min ago
18Th Century Staircase
28 Answers
Why would there be six circular holes drilled into the risers on the above? They are about 1" diameter and in two sets of three ...... its a totally wooden staircase ....... . Noise reduction?
Answers
"Soho House has a central heating system that dates from the 1790's. It is thought to be the first successful attempt to heat a large house by ducted hot air since Roman times". "Soho House, the home of Matthew Boulton from about 1766 until his death in 1809, still stands in what is now Soho Avenue. When Boulton acquired the lease of his property on Handsworth...
09:29 Sat 10th May 2014
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Illumination. Artificial lighting was expensive in the 18th century, and one of an architect's principal constraints was getting daylight into as much of a house as possible. Glass fanlights above doors, to illuminate otherwise dark corridors, are the best-known example. Servants' quarters or work areas would be expected to manage with a mere glimmer of daylight. I've never seen this 3-holes version, but I've seen shallow lens-shaped cut-outs in stair risers in a couple of different places, and worked out that was their purpose - one was in stone in an old Highland castle, maybe Craigievar, and one in a Queen Anne mansion near Edinburgh.
Couldn't be ventilation for under stairs as beneath the staircase the skipping ceilings are played ..... so the holes in the risers are not exposed to anywhere below. No cupboards under the stairs. House has three three stairs all in same well and all have this pattern of holes on all risers. No evidence or likelihood that it was ever carpeted. Thanks for your suggestions so far!
Could still be ventilation for the staircase itself... since the underside is plastered.
On more than one occasion I've removed plaster from the underside of Georgian Geometrical staircases (spirally type with hole right up through the various floors). I've done this to remove huge amounts of fruiting spores and fungus that is severe Dry Rot. (Caused by lack of ventilation.)
I may still be way off the mark in your case though... just a thought.
On more than one occasion I've removed plaster from the underside of Georgian Geometrical staircases (spirally type with hole right up through the various floors). I've done this to remove huge amounts of fruiting spores and fungus that is severe Dry Rot. (Caused by lack of ventilation.)
I may still be way off the mark in your case though... just a thought.
https:/ /c2.sta ticflic kr.com/ 8/7122/ 6864690 994_c41 8578fe1 _z.jpg
Paste above into browser. Is this the staircase. March-Hare?
Paste above into browser. Is this the staircase. March-Hare?
Got it!!!
http:// www.tri padviso r.co.uk /ShowUs erRevie ws-g186 402-d19 5815-r1 7410510 0-Soho_ House_M useum-B irmingh am_West _Midlan ds_Engl and.htm l
It was for warm air to circulate around the house.
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It was for warm air to circulate around the house.
Here's a pic of what I think you mean. Ventilation or heating as others have said.
http:// www.dir ectenqu iries.c om/info rmation /Soho%2 0House% 20Museu m/36799 5/detai l/1028- 0006370 /49/inf ormatio n.aspx
http://
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Thanks everyone .... and yes, that is indeed the staircase. I have also learnt that although I engendered two sets of three holes per riser, they are actually in fives like in a dice! Not so observant after all! I still don't entirely understand how it works as the holes don't go anywhere, but thanks for shedding light on their use.
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