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| entry door St. Francis Seraphicus Church, Prague . |
I made a too-short visit to Prague this month, getting only lightly reacquainted with one of my favorite cities. Since my last visit 10 years ago (wow, has it been that long!?), much has been restored or rehabilitated. I noticed in particular gleaming and intricate ornamental ironwork, particularly on the doors.
I posted a larger collection of these door pictures at
flickr. Here are some highlights:
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| beautiful amber painted door of the newly restored palace of the Rožmberkové (house of Rosenberg) Prague |
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| strapwork ornament carved into an old door, Staré Město |
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| Detail of one of three black iron doors with polished iron ornaments, Italian Embassy, Prague |
These exterior door are all at street level, and are special with good reason. An overall pattern adds to the architecture of each building, and the door becomes more detailed and personal the closer you get. What better way to invite you closer?
I don't know anything about the specific tradition of ironwork in this region, but it does seem to have a distinctive style reminiscent of
celtic designs. Which makes sense since during the *cough* Iron Age, the Celts originated from this area.
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| a delicate and ornate knocker on an ebonized, studded door |
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| a beautiful medieval looking figural knocker |
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| splendid entry door and handle of the Svatý Mikuláš (St. Nicholas) church, Tyn Square |
Now, some interior doors
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| a lovely old door in the Vladislav Hall, Prague Castle |
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| a very simple inlaid door with fantastic hinges |
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| a beautiful marquetry door in Prague Castle |
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| a small utilitarian door in a hallway- at once substantial and elegant. |
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| ornate hinge: St Thomas Church, Prague |
I am resisting the urge to pound a thousand upholstery tacks into my front door. However, a faux marquetry door might not be out of the question.
More pictures!
If you like door knockers, check out
this collection by Grant K Gibson.
