N°2 | 1995 UTILITY IS BEAUTY

From classical times through to the early twentieth century, when the advent of electrical power led to the introduction of doorbells and automatic doors, handles and knockers acted as a kind of barrier between the outside world and the inside of buildings: a defensive mechanism that was also used as opportunity to decorate the dwelling with the family coat of arms or monogram.

The opulence of the materials and shapes, and the creativity poured into these objects, bear witness to how the public and the private were equally relevant in the urban landscape.

INDEX

UTILITY IS BEAUTY

DOOR HANDLES AND KNOCKERS

Handles: the hand and the ring

Decorated hammer-knockers

Iron. Strength, form and history

Bibliography