40 C O N T E X T 9 9 : M A Y 2 0 0 7 Here Johnson relates the good news that braided flex, upgraded to modern safety standards, is again available to the period perfectionist. Moving on to sanitary fittings he points out that then, as now, the ‘classic WC’ was the washdown pedestal closet. The best people had mahogany seats; the rest made do with painted softwood. External fittings and boundary treatments are not neglected. It is fascinating to read that a certain taste for white timber posts linked by spiked black chains dates from the 1930s, was imported from the USA and was favoured by Clough Williams-Ellis, among others. The last two chapters deal with improvements, alterations and ‘knocking through’ of Edwardian and inter-war houses. It is all too easy to do: a new window here, a different doorcase there, a carport, a conservatory. All detract from the authentic, easy-to-erase appearance of the period. Johnson notes dryly that today’s ‘rail travellers will confirm that the most basic design of rear extension comprises a flat roof surmounting a one- or two-storey “box” of brickwork or rendered blockwork’. He is diplomatic in his treatment of damp-proof course replacement and he is quick to demonstrate that interwar notions of thermal efficiency were almost non-existent. Finally, he wisely points those seeking the genuine thing towards ‘Mr Straw’s House’. It is in Worksop, belongs to the National Trust and is the nearest we can now get to the experience of inter-war suburban living. In writing about the Edwardian and inter-war house as a kit of parts, Johnson has broken new ground. He deals equally with architectural function and cultural significance. His practical advice for not compromising either is essential reading. The drawings and photographs, many clearly taken by the author and his friends, illustrate the text perfectly. A genuine love of the subject and a gentle sense of humour permeate the whole book. But Johnson is not laughing at the inter-war house; he is enjoying it. And so should we. Nigel Crowe, head of heritage for British Waterways when the Great War ended. In the 1920s and 30s, aided by the spread of suburban railways and the motorcar, spec-built, privately financed houses changed the face of Britain. Johnson deftly traces the architectural history of the period, noting that late 19th and early 20th century dwellings were for the most part utilitarian but as time went on this began to change. Spec-builders in particular aped the best designers: Voysey details were popular in the suburbs.Wraparound steel windows and rendered walls were cribbed from avant-garde architects like Peter Behrens and Amyas Connell; Osbert Lancaster celebrated the conflation of styles in his whimsical cartoons. Vast numbers of these houses are still with us today, their slightly creepy proportions altered and extended to suit later 20th century lifestyles. With the history dealt with, Johnson moves swiftly on to practical matters. Starting with foundations and basements and proceeding through external walls to upper floors, staircases and roofs, he piles on the detail. The good news is that almost every problem encountered in these houses can be put right by modern builders or skilled DIYers. Johnson is at his best here. The text is enlivened with useful drawings of defects and repair techniques. The chapter on roofs positively revels in the subtleties of asphalt, bituminous felt and period sheet metal coverings. The reader’s prejudices about flat roofs are fully confirmed. Johnson brings the homeowner and architect’s expert eye to all this. When he reveals that ‘it is effectively impossible’ to remove Edwardian matched timber flooring without damaging it, one can be sure he has been there, done it and hammered his thumb like the rest of us. Practical discussion continues with excellent descriptions of wall finishes, skirtings and doors. Suspicions of slapdash building are further confirmed by the knowledge that in inter-war houses internal and external walls were rarely bonded together. They merely butted against each other, allowing the walls to move independently and all the internal plaster to crack. No detail is spared, from front door steps (usually Portland stone and sloped back by 3mm) to toad’s back pattern handrails, stained glass (pot metal or flashed glass) oriels, bays and the nostalgic cockspur fasteners. This ‘workshop manual’ approach continues with a chapter on services and fittings. Cathedral Communications has recently released the 7th edition of the IHBC Yearbook which was compiled this year for the Communications & Outreach committee by the IHBC National Office with the help of Cathedral. Each IHBC member has been sent a copy by post. For distribution enquiries please contact Devon DeCelles at membershipadmin@ ihbc.org.uk (tel 0131 558 1854). For comments on any aspects of the yearbook’s content or production please contact Seán O’Reilly at director@ihbc.org.uk, or Cathedral Communications at ihbc@cathcomm. demon.co.uk (tel 01747 871717) as appropriate. InstItute of HIstorIc BuIldIng conservatIon yearBook 2007 InstItuteof HIstorIc BuIldIngconservatIon yearBook 2007 Published bycathedralcommunicationslimited 2007 InstItute of HIstorIc BuIldIng conservatIon yearBook
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