Knock, knock, who's there? It's your friendly neighborhood door knocker, here to announce the arrival of your guests (or pesky salespeople, depending on the time of day). These humble yet essential pieces of hardware have been around for centuries, gracing the doors of homes and businesses around the world with their presence. So, grab a cold drink and put your feet up, because we're about to dive into the fascinating history of door knockers.
Door knockers have been around for centuries, with their roots tracing back to ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome. In these societies, door knockers were often made of bronze or iron and were shaped like animals or mythical creatures. They served a dual purpose: to announce the presence of a visitor and to ward off evil spirits (which, legend had it, were attracted to noise).
Fast forward to the Middle Ages and door knockers were still going strong. In the 16th century, they began to be used more widely as decorative elements on homes and buildings. Most of these knockers were fairly plain, made by skilled blacksmiths. But as the craft evolved, wealthier people started getting more detailed and elaborate designs, often incorporating local patterns and traditions.
In the 1760s, one of the first UK foundries opened up in West Bromwich: Kenricks. This family firm exported everyday cast iron goods all over the world, as well as more ornate items for the home and garden. During the Georgian period, door knockers were usually simple and made of cast iron, painted black. But as they became more popular in the 1800s, it became fashionable to have more elaborate designs, like lion heads and sphinxes, which were often cast in brass or bronze. In the latter part of the Georgian era, brass became the go-to material for door furniture. This was also the time when bell pulls became a thing (in the 1830s) and when the penny post was established (in the 1840s), leading to the invention
One of the most iconic and recognizable types of antique door knockers is the lion's head. These knockers are made to look like the head of a lion, complete with a mane and open mouth. The lion is a symbol of strength and courage, and has long been associated with royalty and nobility. As such, lion's head door knockers are often seen as a symbol of status and prestige.
The lion's head door knocker became particularly popular in the early 19th century, when there was a renewed interest in classical design and symbolism. Many homes and businesses in this period featured lion's head door knockers as a way to show off their wealth and social status. These knockers were often made of brass or bronze and were highly ornate, with intricate details and intricate designs.
Door knockers have come a long way since their ancient beginnings as a way to ward off evil spirits (and possibly wake up slaves). In the 20th century, door knockers became available in a variety of materials, from aluminum to stainless steel to plastic (including the ever-popular Bakelite). Many companies also offered custom door knockers, giving people the chance to choose the design and material that best suited their personal style (or their love of all things plastic).
In the UK, it was once traditional to cover the knocker during a period of mourning, a practice that dated back to the Victorian era. This was a way to let the community know that someone had passed away in the household. But door knockers aren't just for show – some of them have hidden features or functions!
For example, some knockers have a small hole or indentation that can hold a key, allowing the homeowner to unlock the door without carrying a separate key. Others have a built-in peephole or other security feature. In the early 20th century, door knockers were even used to identify the profession of the homeowner – a doctor's house might have a knocker in the shape of a caduceus, while a lawyer's house might have a knocker in the shape of a balance scale.
If you're a fan of all things aquatic, you'll love fish-shaped door knockers! These knockers, thought to have originated from Scottish foundries, were often seen on the homes of shipping merchants. But it wasn't just about the ocean – different fish designs had their own special meanings, too. A carp, for instance, was said to bring good luck and abundance, while a fish with a Poseidon fork design represented power and mastery of the seas. So if you're looking to bring a touch of the ocean to your front door (or just show off your love of fish), consider getting a fish-shaped door knocker. Just make sure to bring some seafood snacks for the fish spirit living inside.
These days, door knockers are still a popular choice for homeowners and business owners alike. Whether you're looking for a traditional brass knocker or something more modern and sleek, there's a door knocker out there for you. So go ahead and make a statement at your front door – just remember to make some noise while you're at it (just in case any evil spirits happen to be lurking nearby).
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