4 Interesting Facts about Venetian Blinds
Alana Southwell is a friendly DIY improvements girl who has plenty of experience in arts, crafts and minor renovations. She blogs about her experience on All Weather Blinds. In this article, she shares with us the history of Venetian blinds.
When it comes to window blinds, the first thing that comes to mind are Venetian blinds. These are the most common types of blinds in modern architecture. But did you know that these Venetian blinds holds a rich history in its name? Here are four (4) interesting facts you might want to know about Venetian blinds.
Venetian blinds originated in Persia
This is a contestable account of the history of the famous Venetian blinds. Several historians claimed that some Venetian merchants had brought this mechanism from a place in the East back to their own place in Venice where it gained its popularity. Hence, it was given then name Venetian blinds.
The idea of blinds started in ancient Egypt
Ancient Egyptians were known to be the inventors of these custom blinds. They used reeds tied together in columns which they hung on doorways, passageways and windows of their houses to create privacy. These slatted blinds were found in Pompeii. However, the Egyptians didn’t have yet a name for their invention. It was only later in history that investor started claiming this genius concept. In ancient China, they used bamboo instead of reeds. The concept was brought as far as the Middle East until it reached Europe where it received its popular name of Venetian blinds.
An English craftsman brought Venetian blinds to the New World
John Webster introduced the Wooden Venetian Sun Blinds to the New World. Originally from London, he came to open an upholstery shop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the United States. His business became a raving success that he became the known as “The Blind man of Philadelphia”. He made the first print advertisement for these wooden blinds which appeared in the Pennsylvania Weekly Journal and Advertiser on August 20, 1767.
Venetian blinds are famous pieces of art
The Worcester Art Museum in Massachusetts, U.S.A. proudly displays this magnificent piece of art by Edmund Tarbell. It is an image of a lady showing her bare back. In the background is a painting of the famous Venetian blind.
So, there you have it – the great Venetian blinds! It’s more than just a piece of household accessory. It is a magnificent piece of history.
Image Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
Author: Alana Southwell
Alana Southwell is the lead content curator for All Weather Blinds. With her experience in arts, crafts and renovations, she shares her insights in her blogs. She enjoys writing and blogging about her family and her adventures during her past time. You can get updates from her on Twitter: @Alana_Southwell.
