Period Details: A Sourcebook for House Restoration by Judith & Martin Miller newly listed for sale on the fantastic BookLovers of Bath web site!Mitchell Beazley, 1988, Hardback in dust wrapper.
3rd printing. [First Published: 1987] Illustrated by way of: Colour Photographs;
From the cover: The greatest pleasure of buying a period house is the opportunity to rediscover its original character by restoring features that have been covered up, destroyed or removed over the years.
Period Details offers a unique pictorial survey of structural and decorative styles, fixtures and fittings, period by period and feature by feature throughout the house. Approximately 1,000 colour photographs, many of them commissioned specially for the book and all accompanied by informative captions, provide an invaluable guide for amateur restorers, as well as for architects, builders and decorators.
The key to successful restoration is attention to detail door hinges and catches as well as the doors themselves, cornices and skirting boards as well as walls and ceilings. Judith and Martin Miller take an in-depth approach, supplying a wealth of detailed information on style, ornament, dating, materials and construction techniques. The emphasis is thoroughly practical, with sound commonsense advice on how to restore particular features (such as sash windows and wooden floors) and how to combine an authentic period feel with the requirements of modern living. The best reproduction features are covered, for home-owners who are unable to obtain the originals.
The book begins with an authoritative introduction which places interiors in the context of a general chronology of styles and architectural developments. Then follows the heart of the book a feature-by-feature survey which covers doors, windows, floors, ceilings, walls, staircases, lighting, fittings for bathrooms and kitchens, and conservatories. The third major section is a Directory, listing suppliers, restorers, retailers, manufacturers, and useful sources of information. A Glossary gives succinct definitions of architectural terms.
An essential reference tool for anyone contemplating restoration, Period Details also provides illuminating background information for those of us who enjoy historic houses.
Good. A pleasant enough reading copy.
Blue boards with Gilt titling to the Spine. 192 pages. Index. 10¼” x 10½”.
Of course, if you don’t like this one, may I tempt with you something from here?
BookLovers of Bath 