Detail
New porch, Islington
We have thought long and hard about the principles of reproduction of elements. SPAB quite rightly disapproves of new intervention into old buildings where it can be confused with historic work. Other critics label reproduction as ersatz or - worse still! - kitsch. We believe reproduction is, acceptable, sometimes even essential, but must always be employed judiciously and discreetly.
Tilly and Julian Flaux wanted to extend their conventional end-of-terrace Islington house with a full bay from top to bottom and a Greek Revival porch. Reproduction can easily fail if the details are imprecise and not based on reasonable exemplars. The model for this porch was another one in a neighbouring street. Careful measuring from a full-size survey by Martin Construction, the contractors, ensured the success of this unpretentious addition to the street.
