Gables, parapets, finials, domes, turrets
and other architectural elements make up the world of the rooftop. Often not noticed by
the casual observer, these elements add the finishing touch to many houses and buildings.The
19 paintings in this gallery are predominantly from the Victorian period and highlight the
intricate detail of the rooftops of the time. The location of each rooftop or parapet will
be added shortly. Stay tuned.
Some glossary definitions relating to rooftops are described below:
Parapet:
A wall built up higher than the line of a roof, to hide the roof surface of
curtail the spread of fire. Also, a low wall providing safety for users of a flat roof or
bridge. Parapets were often battlemented.
Gable:
The upper, triangular portion of an external wall at the end of a doubly pitched
roof. There are many variant shapes e.g. plain parapeted, crow-stepped (with stepped
sides), Dutch (with a crowning pediment), notched (with small projecting angles).
Finial:
A carved or moulded ornament, usually spiky, crowning a gable or similar
feature.
The above definitions were borrowed from the glossary in "A
Pictorial Guide to Identifying Australian Architecture" ISBN 0 207 18562 X
(Paperback)
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