History of the Conservatory

The concept of displaying and preserving plants is as old as civilization itself. The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, circa 600 B.C., is the most renowned of the ancient exhibitions. The Greeks, Egyptians, Chinese and Japanese were also ancient exhibitors of plants, but it was the Romans who developed it into a science. The Romans were the first culture to have dedicated structures to shield their plants from the elements. Unfortunately, this early form of horticulture was to fade away with the fall of the Roman Empire.

It would not be until the 16th century that the English would revive the art of conserving plants. They, like the Romans, would have dedicated structures called Orangeries, so named for the citrus and tropical plant species which occupied them.

The Orangery was usually a masonry building with large windows and perhaps a skylight or two.In the early 19th century the modern conservatory design, as we know it, evolved and glass was the principal material used in its construction.

Initially, these structures were reserved for the nobility, but interest in conserving plants increased as did the widespread ownership of conservatories. Today, thousands of traditional Victorian conservatories are sold throughout England and Europe. Their popularity in America is also increasing, although they are not always used for the display of plants, the aesthetic character of the Victorian design makes it a compatible alternative addition for most architectures.

At British Conservatories, our reputation as designers is derived from the attention we devote to the exquisite ornamentation, intricate detail, and delicate proportion and order of your custom conservatory. Our meticulous attention to detail is matched by the quality of materials and master craftsmanship that is an integral part of each structure. We will use only the best materials available, employing the finest wood craftsmanship, to provide strength with a look of delicacy.

Our legacy of innovation in conservatory engineering continues in our welded aluminum conservatories, with the same attention to detail. We have matched the beauty of our traditional wood conservatories, employing the latest technology and design concepts. We provide our clients with the finest low maintenance conservatory available. The structural integrity of our aluminum conservatories is guaranteed for a lifetime and beyond.

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