builderbill

Graphical Construction Glossary >> stairs. >> general >> Handrail Scroll


Handrail Scroll
A spiral type ending to a stair handrail. In most cases they transform from the sloping section to the horizontal plane. Also called a Handrail Volute in the US.



an ornate handrail scroll

This beatifull old carved scroll is in the St. Sepulchre-without-Newgate parish church in central London. The church was founded in 1137 and this piece of English joinery predates the sailing of the Mayflower to the new world by many years.

An item of note here is the hand-bell in the glass case in the background. It is the original Newgate Exection Bell that was rung at midnight to awaken the condemned prior to an execution. Used in literature from Shakespeare to Hemmingway. John Donne, 1572 to 1631, would have heard this bell many times before he wrote the lines of his Meditation XVII.

" Any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls it tolls for thee".


The function of a scroll is purely decorative and many modern staircase do not use them or only give a slight nod to their existance.

The term is derived from it's similarity to the common representation of a scroll (partly unrolled parchment) or to the scrolls on top of Greek columns. The form is a decreasing spiral.

The geometry is fairly simple as it is a series of 90deg. circular arcs of diminishing size.

The term mainly used in the US is Volute which is a fair enough description of the item. What I do disagree with is the modern trend of dumbing down perfectly good and descriptive technical terms. There is one US stair manufacturer (who shall be nameless) who actually calls these scrolls "Frying Pans". The mind boggles.
a hardwood stair volute

Another quite nice handrail volute.

a vertical handrail scroll
A form loved by blacksmiths through the ages. The decreasing spiral.
Thanks to Clarita and Morguefile for the photo.

On odd occaisions we see a vertically orientated scroll. Mostly it s done in metal, with tubing just having a semicircular end to it. This particular photo though shows a really nice wrought iron one. It is also a true scrollin the respect that it is a diminishing spriral.


If you didn't find exactly what you are looking for try this search tool that will search the site and the web.


"What can be added to the happiness of a man who is in health, out of debt, and has a clear conscience?
Adam Smith 1723-1790


"When we build, let us think that we build for ever."John Ruskin 1819-1900


coates hire
Hire Equipment
hafele
Furniture Fittings - Architectural Hardware - Electronic Locking Systems - Technical Hardware
BuilderBill sponsorship

BuilderBill Books


building maths
Building Maths

Stair Design
asbestos ebook
Asbestos Book

Calculator Pages.

Concrete yardage calculator

Reader's Questions.

Questions and answers.


 

 



Please Note! The information on this site is offered as a guide only!  When we are talking about areas where building regulations or safety regulations could exist,the information here could be wrong for your area.  It could be out of date!  Regulations breed faster than rabbits!
You must check your own local conditions.
Copyright © Bill Bradley 2007-2012. All rights reserved.
Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape