Behind The Design: Gothic Collection

The inspiration behind our Gothic Collection.

Much of our ironmongery is inspired by the architectural periods of the past. In this post we look at the ethereal Gothic era, the inspiration behind our much-loved Gothic Lever Handles.

A large, stone, traditional Gothic property with a gravel driveway and green shrubbery with white flowers.

Above: a large, stone Gothic property.

Our collection of Gothic ironmongery is characterised by the pointed arch, a shape that is synonymous with the era.

A Pewter door handle on a hand painted cream oak internal door.

Above: our Pewter Gothic Lever Lock Set.

Left: stone archway with a cobbled path across a lawn leading to a stone building. Right: high, arched ceilings in a stone corridor with glassless windows.

Above: examples of Gothic architecture, featuring tall, stone arches.

The Gothic style evolved from Romanesque architecture and came to prominence across Britain and Europe during the late Medieval period.

A reflection of sophistication and power, Gothic design flourished with the construction of opulent and imposing buildings such as cathedrals, castles, and palaces, all adorned in abundance with ribbed vaults, clustered columns and pointed arches.

Gothic architecture with tall stone arches & pillars at the Cloisters at Glasgow University.

Above: the impressive peaked ceiling and stone pillars of the Cloisters at Glasgow University.

Lincoln, Wells and York Cathedrals are all fine examples of Gothic architecture, but Canterbury Cathedral and Westminster Abbey were perhaps the most important Gothic buildings of the time.

Carved stone & arches at Westminster Abbey, with stone statues, a tall wooden door, and two gold and glass wall lights.

Above: the beautifully carved entrance of Westminster Abbey.

The drama and grandeur of such buildings is reflected in our range of Gothic Lever Handles. The lever’s silhouette perfectly mirrors that of a Gothic doorway and like the pointed arch, has been created for both functional and decorative purposes.

Pewter door handle on a hand painted white oak internal door with a large glass window.

Above: our Pewter Gothic Lever door handle on a neutral, partially glazed door.

Black door handles on hand painted oak doors against brick walls.

Above: our Black Gothic lever door handles on a pair of pale blue doors.

Gothic Revival

Nineteenth Century Britain saw the growth of Gothic Revival. During this period, Gothic architecture was no longer assigned only to the construction of cathedrals and palaces. It was now also being used to create buildings on a smaller scale. Highly decorative details were added to domestic buildings. This quirky, whimsical design is perhaps what made Gothic style spooky.