Clearview 241 - December 2021 | Seite 36

Doors & Windows

Window maker ’ s history revealed

Windows often provide a view into history but , sometimes , they tell their own story .
» THIS IS THE CASE WITH A STAINED glass window on the staircase at the Royal Forest Hotel in Chingford , Essex . Depicting Queen Elizabeth I and her court taking part in the famous Epping Hunt , one panel reveals an intriguing connection with Steel Window Association member , Govette Windows .
The link was made by Arthur Johnson who was researching the hotel ’ s history and noticed a panel stating : “ This window received extensive damage during World War Two and was restored in 1948 by The Govette Glazing Co . Battersea .” Arthur subsequently contacted Govette Windows to find out about any relationship with the present company .
Darren Lloyd , managing director of Govette Windows , explains that Govette originally had a director called Fred Hancock whose family history went back
to the Huguenots and that they had left Europe and settled in England . “ Fred , along with a Mr Lea , set up the company and named it Govette - the family name when they were in Europe . Fred ’ s speciality was glasswork , stained glass and leaded glass and he established a small workshop in the basement of 1 Park Hill , Clapham ; it ’ s not clear why the window ’ s inscription mentions Battersea .”
At the time , Govette specialised in glasswork but , as the company diversified into steel window and door manufacture , the glassworks moved , eventually becoming Warner Glass which is still in Croydon . Darren ’ s father worked for Govette Metal & Glass Works , originally as a draughtsman and then as a director . Govette Windows , as it became , has been supplying and installing steel windows and doors since 1996 . Based in South Godstone , Surrey , all its products are purpose made so they can be manufactured to match existing windows and doors or to a unique design . The four-storey , 60-bedroom Royal Forest Hotel was originally known as the Forest Hotel but was renamed after Queen Victoria visited Epping Forest in 1882 . Following a serious fire in 1912 , it was rebuilt , minus the top floor . Today , the building is run by Premier Inn and Brewers Fayre .
www . steel-window-association . co . uk

Security key element with new accreditation

» BLAIRS WINDOWS & Doors , a KÖMMERLING manufacturing partner and part of the Saveheat Group , is pleased to announce that they have joined Secured by Design , which is the official police security initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live , work , shop and visit .
Founded in 1913 , Blairs Windows & Doors have developed a long-standing reputation for quality windows , conservatories , and door sets . With over 100 years industry experience , they produce superior timber , aluminium and PVCu products that are unrivalled in quality and design . Blairs supply to contractors , general builders ,
and individuals , and have a wealth of knowledge to help guide clients and specifiers through design , planning , procurement and fabrication stages , alongside their Blairs approved installers .
With state-of-the-art equipment and expert craftsmanship , Blairs can provide the highest quality service and products , delivered on time
and in full . All products are produced at manufacturing facilities located in Greenock , Inverclyde and Hillington near Glasgow to the highest certified industry standards and come with a 10-year guarantee .
Being recognised as having Secured by Design accreditation means that Blairs Windows and Doors products have been successfully tested and certificated
to BS 7412 / PAS24:2016 . This important new certification also matches that of sister business within the group , Merlin Network , who are based in Dalgety Bay , Fife .
Alex Gray , Managing Director of Blairs commented : “ Security is one of the key elements that we know is very important to all our customers in relation to our product range . Since 1913 , Blairs have continued to build on its reputation for high quality products that are secure as well as long lasting . Our investment to become Secured by Design accredited further strengthens our reputation and prominence in the Scottish window and door industry .”
www . profine-uk . com
www . kommerling . co . uk
36 DECEMBER 2021
CLEARVIEW-UK . COM