Alan Beardmore is an architect in private practice. He first became interested in revolving doors while serving a joinery apprenticeship with the Reading firm of Samuel Elliott & Sons in the 1950s. Although his own architectural preferences may now be classed as ´minimalist´ he is a firm believer in using traditional materials and high standards of workmanship within modern buildings. He has contributed extensively to specialist journals about architectural wood-work and old woodworking handtools.

The idea

The idea for this book presented itself in the 1970s after discovering that a particularly elegant revolving door was about to be scrapped by his bank in an impending ´modernisation´. He was able to negotiate permission from a slightly bemused manager to make a measured survey of the assembly just ahead of the breakers – a sentimental task as it turned out because the door had been made by his former employer in the 1930s.

Thus began a nostalgic journey of discovery! In 1995 Alan Beardmore met several people within the Boon Edam organisation during the course of his research and was encouraged by their enthusiasm for the project, resulting in the treatise THE REVOLVING DOOR since 1881: Architecture in Detail.

About the book

Included in this book of 520 pages is a detailed review of some 180 significant international patents since 1881, measured drawings of assemblies dating back to 1903 and over 240 beautiful illustrations in full colour comprising photographs, extracts from journals and makers´ catalogues - some of them very rare-as well as architects´ drawings and makers´ publicity matter. Details of the makers and users have been included where this has been available.

This book should appeal to architects and historians who are interested in entrance architecture, as well as those general readers who may be interested in the social and decorative forces that shaped the development and popularity of revolving doors.

Order now

This book is available in limited edition only. You can order your own copy now. All you have to do is download the flyer (PDF-file, 207Kb), fill in the form and send it to Royal Boon Edam Group Holding B.V., f.a.o. Group Marketing Department, P.O. Box 40, 1135 ZG Edam, the Netherlands or fax it to +31 299 37 28 59.