The Victorian Awning, a flat sheet of fabric held by iron rods, became an iconic image of the English high street for several decades. Early photographs of streets in Victorian times largely depicted them, creating a fixed image of the street. Early operable awnings had their advantages and disadvantages, but they were also a fixture of the high street for several decades. Fortunately, many of these victorian awnings survived until the 20th century.

Retractable awnings

Decorative valances on Victorian retractable awnings add a decorative accent, adding about seven inches of matching fabric to the front edge. Another decorative option is the drop-down valance, which provides added sun protection. Available in mesh screens or acrylic, drop-down valances can be fixed to either the front or back edge of the awning. The valances are optional but can be helpful in preventing excessive sun glare.

The lateral arm awnings

The most traditional form of Victorian lateral arm awning is the manual system, which is wound on a sturdy helical spring roller. Because the Victorian awning is manually operated, it requires considerable strength and skill to install. The fabric is woven with Goretex Tenara thread, which is specially engineered to be UV-resistant and has a lifetime warranty against seam separation. The awnings are also certified by the German TUV, a third-party certification body that sets high standards of quality throughout the manufacturing process.

Canvas Awnings

Awnings were historically covered with a canvas material, either a solid color or painted with stripes. This durable material went out of favor in the second half of the twentieth century and was replaced by synthetic textiles. These new materials were not appropriate for historic buildings, and many historic review commissions note this fact. Today, most awnings are made of poly-cotton, which mimics the historic look of canvas. These awnings provide shade and shelter, but can also serve as distinctive signage.

Coated fabric awnings

In the nineteenth century, operable awnings were a popular feature of the English high street. A flat sheet of fabric stretched between front bars that were supported by iron rods became the standard image of the high street. In the following decades, the use of projecting frameworks was made possible by extension bars. However, operable awnings presented several drawbacks. Here is a look at the evolution of awning design during this period.

Steel pipe awning anchors

Awnings have become popular in historic areas again, with many buildings sporting quaint awnings made of iron plumbing pipe. During the mid-century industrialization period, iron plumbing pipe was made available in wide quantities, and was quickly adapted for awning frames. The pipe was lightweight, bendable, and easy to thread, making it the perfect material for awning frames. As steamships replaced old-fashioned ships, canvas mills had to find new markets. As a result, the awning industry expanded into new frame and fabric options.

Fabric used for awnings

Awnings are traditionally made of canvas, cotton, acrylic, or polyester. Many Victorian awnings are attached to an outside wall, window, or door. In addition to providing shelter from the elements, they can also be used for blinds in shops and butchers'. In addition to their aesthetic value, awnings can also be useful for extending the living space of a home. These days, the fabric used for awnings is made from solution-dyed acrylic.

Early operable awnings

The design of operable awnings has changed over the centuries, both in material and mechanical function. In the late nineteenth century, operable awnings replaced fixed iron-pipe frames. Early operable awnings were popular due to their retraction and extension capabilities. However, early operable awnings exhibited several disadvantages. The fabric on early operable awnings would often bunch together against the building facade during retraction, accelerating deterioration. In addition, early operable awnings obstructed window or door openings and often presented an untidy appearance when folded.

Drawbacks of early operable awnings

For many years, the iconic image of the Victorian high street was a flat sheet of fabric held up by iron rods. Photographers of the period were able to capture the streets' picturesque details, and these awnings were often used as a part of that image. However, the early operable Victorian awnings were not without their drawbacks. Read on to learn more.