| Before mine, but there was a time when usefulness trumped ‘health & safety’; a time when if someone tripped over what was obvious they were considered stupid and not a victim and potential claimant. There was also a time when very many items in the construction of a building were bespoke and made specifically for that building; a time when the building owner could design or stipulate exactly what he wanted; a time different from today where only those in the catalogue are available unless one wants to expend a huge proportion of the budget on an off-standard piece. There was a time where buildings had unique pieces. There were probably very many drawbacks of those times, but the lack of individuality in buildings now makes me think would have enjoyed the variety of details on display with regard to chimneys, vent grilles, doors, knockers, railings and even foot scrapers. Recently, I have been photographing foot scrapers around Cork. There are very many more yet to be photographed but the detail of workmanship and the vast variety of design has prompted today’s blog. With paved thoroughfares, the need for foot scrapers has probably been eliminated but the need for lovely detailing, great craftsmanship and variety of building features should still exist. |
