Unraveling the Secrets of Intricate Chimney Stacks: From Tudor Grandeur to Arts & Crafts Detail

Written by Nancy Kimberley, Architect & Founder of Kimberley Architecture

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Have you ever looked up at an old building and marvelled at the sheer artistry of its chimney stacks? Beyond their functional role, these towering structures are often canvases of historical design and craftsmanship, telling stories of architectural eras, skilled hands, and enduring legacies. Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of Tudor, Arts and Crafts, and intricate brick chimney stacks, particularly those with a distinctive, sometimes "twisted," appearance, exploring their history and the vital work of their conservation.

A Glimpse into History: Tudor and Jacobean Grandeur

The late medieval, Tudor, and subsequent Jacobean periods saw an explosion of creativity in chimney design. As building practices evolved and masonry, especially brickwork, became more refined, chimneys transitioned from simple flues to elaborate architectural statements. One impressive structure, Thorington Hall, a former farmhouse and National Trust property, has served as a case study for masonry repairs (Cullen & Meier, 2015, p. 41). Its brickwork, including corbelling before splitting into multiple stacks, is a visually notable feature that has undergone significant conservation work (Cullen & Meier, 2015, p. 63, Figure 2.9).

The enduring appeal of historic buildings, including their chimneys, often lies in the "human achievement perceived by later generations in the care of the craftsmen in its construction" (Feilden, 2003, p. ix). The quality of this original workmanship is a crucial factor when assessing a structure's current condition (Feilden, 2003, p. 126).

Copyright: © Ian Dufour

The Arts and Crafts Influence: Beauty in Every Detail

Moving forward in history, the Arts and Crafts movement championed the "intellectual achievement of creating an artefact of beauty and interest" (Feilden, 2003, p. ix). A key principle in conservation, reflective of this ethos, is to "preserve what is beautiful, valuable and interesting whilst allowing for activities and enterprises that secure a sustainable future" (Waterson & Morrison, 2019, p. iv). This philosophy extended to every detail of a house, including its heating elements. Architect M.H. Baillie Scott, for instance, emphasized that beauty was essential to a house's "essence of its structure" (Waterson & Morrison, 2019, p. 2).

At Blackwell, an Arts and Crafts exemplar in the Lake District (Waterson & Morrison, 2019, p. 2), the focus on a central, artistic hearth is evident in its "great ingle fireplace with its open hearth and seats" (Waterson & Morrison, 2019, p. 2). The movement integrated decorative schemes, often inspired by elements like heraldry, into various architectural elements, including wood-carving, ironwork, and significantly, plasterwork (Waterson & Morrison, 2019, p. 2). Diane Haigh, a prominent scholar of the Arts and Crafts movement, has guided restoration projects for Baillie Scott houses, ensuring that "scholarship and insight inform the execution of the project" (Waterson & Morrison, 2019, p. 2). This emphasis on handcrafted quality meant that while not always "twisted brick," the chimney and fireplace became a focal point of intricate, considered design (Waterson & Morrison, 2019, p. 39, Figure 3.0).

Blackwell – the Arts & Crafts house. Image: Robin Zahler

The Challenges of Conservation: When Chimneys Speak

Despite their grandeur and intricate craftsmanship, these historic chimney stacks are vulnerable to decay due to their exposed position and complex construction. Gravity is "both the force that keeps buildings standing and the major cause of their destruction," complemented by the "actions of man" and "diverse climatic factors" (Feilden, 2003, p. 19, p. 6). Chimneys, in particular, face unique threats:

• Mortar Decay: Mortar, especially lime mortar, is susceptible to decay. Sulphur dioxide and trioxide in the atmosphere can react with calcium carbonate in stone and mortar to form calcium sulphate, which then crystallizes as the material wets and dries, generating destructive pressures (Feilden, 2003, p. 107).

• Structural Damage: Vertical cracks often signal "overloading and weak masonry which is buckling," potentially indicating a dangerous state requiring immediate shoring (Feilden, 2003, p. 63). Embedded iron cramps, if present, can rust and expand, lifting entire chimney stacks (Feilden, 2003, p. 64).

• Water Penetration: Chimneys are highly vulnerable points for rain penetration, as they were not always built with damp-proof trays (Feilden, 2003, p. 111-112). Defective parging (an inner coating of flues) allows water to seep, contributing to decay (Feilden, 2003, p. 210).

• Pollution: Atmospheric pollution is a significant man-made cause of decay, with acid-laden rain eroding projecting cornices and other features (Feilden, 2003, p. 165, p. 157).

• Outward Appearances Deceiving: The visible condition of masonry can be misleading. A "qualitative structural assessment based upon visual inspection should precede and guide quantitative analyses" because seemingly fair structures can conceal severe internal decay (Feilden, 2003, p. 20). This underscores the need for thorough and sometimes invasive diagnostic work (Feilden, 2003, p. 63, p. 353).

A Lasting Legacy

From the soaring, intricate brick towers of Tudor mansions to the meticulously crafted fireplaces of Arts and Crafts homes, these chimney stacks are more than just architectural features; they are historical documents etched in brick and mortar. Their conservation ensures that these "messages" from the past (Feilden, 2003, p. 25) continue to be understood and appreciated by future generations, proving that with diligent care and skilled intervention, these beautiful, often "twisted" structures will stand tall for centuries to come.

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References

Cullen, R. & Meier, R. (eds) (2015) Specifications for Building Conservation Volume 1 External Structure. Oxfordshire: Routledge.

Feilden, B. M. (2003) Conservation of Historic Buildings. 3rd edn. Oxford: Architectural Press.

Waterson, M. & Morrison, I. (eds) (2019) Rescue & Reuse: Communities, Heritage and Architecture. London: RIBA Publishing.