The Glasshouse - Tapa dura

This is a comprehensive survey of glasshouses. The book traces the evolution of glass enclosures from the mid 16th-century, when the desire to nuture exotic plants in often hostile climates led to the development of the glasshouse and the ingenious mechanical servicing systems, capable of creating their own artificial micro-climates. Through the technical advances in the early 19th century, large-scale constructions were built initially for private individuals and botanical societies. Towards the mid-century, with the advent of mass production and specialist component systems, the fashioning of modular constructions such as the Crystal Palace became possible. The book charts the work of innovators such as Joseph Paxton and J.C. Loudon, and examines their influence on the pioneers of 20th-century design, such as Paul Scheerbart and Bruno Taut.

The Glasshouse traces the evolution of glass enclosures from the mid-seventeenth century when the desire to nurture exotic plants in a foreign and often hostile climate led to the development of the glasshouse and ingenious mechanical servicing systems, capable of creating its own artificial microclimate. The Glasshouse charts the work of innovators such as Joseph Paxton and J. C. Loudon, and proceeds to examine their influence on the pioneers of twentieth-century design such as Paul Scheerbart and Bruno Taut. The Glasshouse is richly illustrated from a wealth of historic and contemporary etchings, lithographs and photographs. It will appeal to the specialist and the enthusiastic gardener alike.