The history of orangeries is fascinating. In the UK, orangeries are extensions of the home, made up of brick and large panes of glass. That was not always the case, though. Over the years, the architectural design and purpose of the orangery have changed.
What they were used for in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries is not exactly how they are used today.
Protectors of Citrus
The name ‘orangery’ was coined because of the building’s original purpose. In the early days, orangeries were built and used to home citrus fruits (which included oranges).
It was a better option than the commonly used fruit wall, which did not provide the delicate, exotic plants with enough protection during the cold and frosty European winters.
The First Orangeries
The very first orangeries date back to the sixteenth century in the Renaissance gardens of Italy. Back then, they were made up of stone or brick, pillars, and glass.
The enormous glass we see used today in modern orangeries was not as common back then, as the glass-making industry was not quite as advanced. For better insulation to keep the plants warm, straw and wooden shutters were used.
Growing Popularity in Europe
In the seventeenth century, orangeries became popular in Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The wealthy and the elite built them in their gardens to house exotic plants after they had arrived from overseas. Due to this, orangeries became a symbol of status.
During this time, people used stoves to heat their orangeries to keep the inside warm enough for the plants. However, this caused issues due to the overproduction of smoke.
Eventually, hot water pipes and fountains helped resolve this issue.
History of Orangeries: The Nineteenth Century
The importation of exotic fruit became much more commonplace during the nineteenth century. The popularity of the orangery did not decrease, however – it just changed course.
While orangeries still protected exotic plants in the home of the wealthy, they were also used for entertainment and guest tours. Changes to the architecture include larger sheets of glass and the addition of glazed roofs. That was because of the advancement in the glass-making industry, which started mass-producing glass for a much lower price.
That also meant that less-wealthy families could enjoy an orangery at their home. All of this led to the modern orangery we know today – the one you often find attached to a person’s home, much like a conservatory.
Modern Orangeries in the UK
Once the modern orangery took over, they were much more commonplace, especially in the UK.
Instead of standing as a separated building in groomed gardens, orangeries became part of the home itself – a sort of extension.
No longer were they solely used for keeping exotic plants or hosting tours; they were used for all types of rooms, including kitchens, entertainment rooms, and guest bedrooms.
Orangeries are still as popular as ever, providing UK homes with more value and floor space. In addition, UK homeowners often choose orangeries when they want somewhere warm and sunny to enjoy in the summertime.
