that is instantly inviting. Well worn by use and made from aged metals that have been fondly hammered into shape, it heralds a weary visitor or much anticipated guest and signifies a place of refuge for a well-earned rest or chance for refreshment. A characterful door knocker, whether a simple pull ring or ornate animal’s head, says something about the dweller within. It lends personality to your home and gives a hint of the style inside – a rustic knocker conjours up a
or heritage barn conversion, while a Doctor’s door knocker complements a smart town house or period home.
, we manufacture 5 handsome door knockers to give your front door that statement look, available in a choice of finishes for the perfect feel.
Door knockers have a dark past as they are thought to originate from Ancient Greece where it was considered impolite to enter a dwelling without first giving a warning. Wealthier Greeks had slaves who were chained to a heavy ring attached to the door so they were ready to welcome guests. Over time this became a separate knocker and strike plate.
For centuries door knockers were fairly simple cast iron rings, painted black and designed to be sturdy and useful rather than decorative. As the middle classes grew and sought more character for their homes, and blacksmiths honed their skills, door knockers became more decorative, often relating to local patterns and trades.
One of the first British foundries to make door knockers en masse was Kenricks in West Bromwich. Founded in the 1760s, the family firm exported cast iron knockers worldwide. By the 1800s it became fashionable to be more creative with your choice of knocker and to have them cast from brass or bronze, often in the shape of lions’ heads or sphynxes.
1. THE DOCTOR'S DOOR KNOCKER
We often get asked what is a doctor’s door knocker? It is a distinctive, linear style of door knocker often inspired by shapes found in superstition, religion and culture that symbolises potent and auspicious powers. Common designs were of a horn, fish, dragon, or mythical creature that distinguished it from standard ring knockers.
Doctor’s knockers were first used in early Georgian times to identify the home of the local doctor, who would often need to be sought out in an emergency, before
house letters, names or numbers were commonly used to identify addresses.
In our manufacturing, we love to celebrate the beauty of honest, natural metals so we created our own Doctor’s door knocker from solid brass as it has a personality all of its own. Our
antiqued brass is the perfect finish to bring out the very best of the underlying patina of aged brass that we know looks wonderful gracing front doors in a period, or modern setting.
2. THE WESTLEY
We believe that the exterior of your home is as important as the inside because what you choose to put outside serves as a taster of the beauty within. Our handsome, heavy weight
Westley Door Knocker does just that. Its design, with a sturdy circular knocker ring and square fixing plate and striker plate, gives it a classic appeal but with a pared down, contemporary twist that looks magnificent on any front door.
3. THE HEART
We are thrilled you love our beautiful
Heart Door Knocker as much as we do as it has become one of our most popular products. With its weighty, heart shaped hand knocker and mini heart-shaped back and striker plates, it is a subtle, quirky design which oozes character without losing its innate elegance.
Pair our antiqued brass and matt black Heart knockers with earthy, or deeply coloured doors and our polished and nickel versions with cooler or lighter tones. The Heart is a substantial knocker that suits country cottages as well as modern homes, but does require a solid door for fitting as it is heavy!
4. THE LION'S HEAD
As door knockers became more elaborate over time, many designs were inspired by mythology and religion and the British were particularly fond of
The Lion Head door knocker. Signifying fortitude, security, dignity and authority, the lion has been used as a patriotic symbol in Britain for many years and as a result, thousands of Lion Head door knockers were produced in the early 19th Century.
Our Lion's Head, with it’s mouth gripping the ring, is made from solid, natural sand cast brass that brings out the finest details in a stunning relief that will stand proud on any style of door as it suits a cottage setting as much as a stately home.
5. THE MELTON
Our elegant
Melton Door Knocker will bring a touch of class to complement any front door. Sand cast from solid, natural brass, its delicate detailing shows off the quality of craftsmanship that went into making it. With its dropped handle style knocker, roundel striker and reeded backplate, it has a traditional design that was inspired by Regency style door knockers that were popular in the early 1800s. We think it would look wonderful on the front door of any period or modern town house or country rectory.
COMPLEMENTING DOOR FURNITURE TO CONSIDER