Chimney Pots and Stacks, An Introduction to their History Variety and Identification
By Valentine Fletcher
The Building Surveyors might enjoy this one. Valentine Fletcher went through the history of chimney pots and identified almost 500 historic shapes, sizes, and styles.
“The principles underlying the design of these chimney-pots may be stated as follows:
- To increase the velocity of ascent of the smoke by reducing the cross-sectional area of the outlet.
- To minimize the effect of down-draught by reducing the area acted on by wind.
- To promote up-draught by creating a cross-draught inside the upper part of the chimney.”
Learn about the Beaded Cannon Head, the Irish Roll, the Four Pocket Beehive, and the Horned Louvre, among many others.
This book, you may be excited to hear, is where the word “caminology” was coined, the study of chimneys, chimney pots and stacks. No doubt you will also be thrilled to find out that Fletcher’s personal collection of chimney pots can be viewed at Bursledon Brickworks Museum.
https://thebrickworksmuseum.org/explore/collections/
It is great when someone is so passionate about such a niche and uncelebrated topic.
If you have any other Curious Book recommendations, I would love you to send me a message. The add on the back of this 1960’s book is for “The Letter Box, A History of Post Office Pillar and Wall Boxes”.
Footnote - 6 March 2025: you can now read about the book, 'The Letter Box' here.
Author: Noel Clarke
Date: 11 February 2025
