![how to make an edwardian-era study [full plans]
when i woke up this morning, i realised that my favourite pair of bespoke socks (angora rabbit hair with an argyle design in the colours of trinity college) had been used as a smörgåsbord by a family of ugly moths. so it goes without saying that i started this particular tee-gee-eye-eff in a pretty sour state.
BUT! then i came across a 1905 article called the study: its building and equipment which gives highly detailed instructions on how to make your own edwardian-era book den. here is what you need to know about me: it’s my older brother ranulph who stands to inherit ganan manor (and along with it, my grandfather’s throbbingly masculine, oak-paneled study). therefore, these detailed plans will be highly useful when the time comes for me to erect my own ganan manor and an even more throbbingly masculine study to plot my revenge.
at any rate, here is how the article starts:
If, as is so often said, the Englishman’s home is his castle…the study is, of all places, the keep of that castle…Therein the lord of the domain was wont to lay mighty plans, perchance for the development of his estate, perchance for the overthrow of his enemies. Therein he contemplated his adversities and the cruelty of fate and therein he thought good thoughts for the welfare of his kindred, his friends and his people. The very word “study” produces a whole train of terms—thought, contemplation, patience, faith, hope, charity, progress, development,—and the room itself should assist these ideas, stimulating the brain to higher ideals and nobler aspirations.
it only gets better from there. here are some bulleted items to keep in mind when you and i are designing private library rooms of our own:
Quietness and repose are essentials, and no sound of pianos, of removal and washing of crockery, of the romping of children, or any noise likely to distract, should be allowed to reach the study.
In most cases the study should be upon the ground floor so that when necessity arises, interviews can take place without callers having to travel half over the house.
It is well known that the early hours of the day are those in which the brain is clearest and most active.
A study facing south and southwest becomes so hot, so unbearably stuffy that the brain is overpowered, fatigued, and quite powerless to act.
Such a room must not be too exciting [but also] every precaution must be taken to keep it from becoming damp and doleful.
Rooms with windows on two walls can be better aired, and vitiated air more quickly removed.
All cement should be up to the British standard specification and should be scientifically tested.
Locks should be good and come from one of the best firms.
Should an untidy maid put her hand upon [your hand-made glazed tiles] the marks can easily be removed without damage being done.
Electric lighting if it can be obtained has much to recommend it on the score of cleanliness.
my takeaway: a study facing south with closed windows and vitiated air is an early 1900s dutch oven.](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lc51rlmPP01qzrip0o1_500.png)
how to make an edwardian-era study [full plans]
when i woke up this morning, i realised that my favourite pair of bespoke socks (angora rabbit hair with an argyle design in the colours of trinity college) had been used as a smörgåsbord by a family of ugly moths. so it goes without saying that i started this particular tee-gee-eye-eff in a pretty sour state.
BUT! then i came across a 1905 article called the study: its building and equipment which gives highly detailed instructions on how to make your own edwardian-era book den. here is what you need to know about me: it’s my older brother ranulph who stands to inherit ganan manor (and along with it, my grandfather’s throbbingly masculine, oak-paneled study). therefore, these detailed plans will be highly useful when the time comes for me to erect my own ganan manor and an even more throbbingly masculine study to plot my revenge.
at any rate, here is how the article starts:
If, as is so often said, the Englishman’s home is his castle…the study is, of all places, the keep of that castle…Therein the lord of the domain was wont to lay mighty plans, perchance for the development of his estate, perchance for the overthrow of his enemies. Therein he contemplated his adversities and the cruelty of fate and therein he thought good thoughts for the welfare of his kindred, his friends and his people. The very word “study” produces a whole train of terms—thought, contemplation, patience, faith, hope, charity, progress, development,—and the room itself should assist these ideas, stimulating the brain to higher ideals and nobler aspirations.
it only gets better from there. here are some bulleted items to keep in mind when you and i are designing private library rooms of our own:
- Quietness and repose are essentials, and no sound of pianos, of removal and washing of crockery, of the romping of children, or any noise likely to distract, should be allowed to reach the study.
- In most cases the study should be upon the ground floor so that when necessity arises, interviews can take place without callers having to travel half over the house.
- It is well known that the early hours of the day are those in which the brain is clearest and most active.
- A study facing south and southwest becomes so hot, so unbearably stuffy that the brain is overpowered, fatigued, and quite powerless to act.
- Such a room must not be too exciting [but also] every precaution must be taken to keep it from becoming damp and doleful.
- Rooms with windows on two walls can be better aired, and vitiated air more quickly removed.
- All cement should be up to the British standard specification and should be scientifically tested.
- Locks should be good and come from one of the best firms.
- Should an untidy maid put her hand upon [your hand-made glazed tiles] the marks can easily be removed without damage being done.
- Electric lighting if it can be obtained has much to recommend it on the score of cleanliness.
my takeaway: a study facing south with closed windows and vitiated air is an early 1900s dutch oven.
