It’s Elevator Week!

We’re starting a new thing here on Fauxology — a full week dedicated to a particular surface or technique! OK, so I stole the idea took a bite of out the playbook from the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week. During the chosen weeks, I’ll give you a bit of the history of that surface or technique and highlight artists who have produced incredible work in that area or medium. I’m excited — are you? (I’m hoping there’s a lot of nodding heads in the audience…) I wanted to launch the inaugural week with something a bit unexpected so we begin the series with ELEVATORS!

Elevators: History and Decoration

Primitive elevators were actually hoists powered by water, animals or humans. A pulley system allowed King Louis XV to have a “flying chair” installed in his French palace’s exterior in 1743. (RG Note: Uhm. The word scary comes to mind.) Later versions relied on steam power. American inventor Elisha Graves Otis took these to the next level in 1853 by equipping them with safety devices to prevent falling. In the 1870′s, hydraulic elevators began replacing steam elevators and towards the end of the 19th century, German inventor Werner von Siemens built the first electric elevator. Elevators truly empowered modern architecture and skyscrapers as they enabled vertical transportation.

Patent Drawing by Otis. He jumpstarted his business by teaming up with P.T. Barnum at the first World's Fair. He went up in his own elevator and cut the ropes. As he plummeted, the safety brakes caught on. It launched the elevator industry with 27 orders within the year.

Elevators are often one of the most used elements in a building. Decorating an elevator proves tough because of its continual use and mobility — this is why they frequently lack the design other areas of the building have. Plus, there are some drawbacks for interior designers: (1) the inability to put heavy objects on the walls and flooring, (2) the inability to hang objects that could swing and (3) knowing that space is at a premium. It comes down to an experienced designer establishing a gorgeous scheme without compromising the utility of the elevator. A tall order. This is why decorative painting is frequently the best option. An incredible space can be created using paints and glazes — without adding weight or crowding the space within. A win-win for our industry.

Tomorrow we start with the first of three artists profiled. (One company is so prolific with elevators, they needed two days.) Each project is completely original and gorgeous in their own right. I hope you enjoy Elevator Week! Now, I want a theme song…

History Resources: About, Idea Finder and Library of Congress: American Memory

UPDATE:

Elevator Week! Day 1: Current Post
Elevator Week! Day 2: Ufauxrea Lifts Us with a Woodgraining Extravaganza
Elevator Week! Day 3: An Homage to Louis Sullivan from Leichsenring Studios
Elevator Week! Day 4: Sweet Hues Rises to the Occasion
Elevator Week! Day 5: Sweet Hues Closes the Door on Elevator Week!