Radiators

Once a main form of energy transfer between steam and air (convection and infrared), the simplicity of the radiator (originally called a “hot box” by the inventor) was, at one time, embellished to be something of an art form (and create more surface area for effectiveness). For those exposed in the grand Victorian home, the radiator was cast in molds with ornate detail. Shapes were made to fit corners and curves. For radiators built into enclosures (hidden) or used in lower cost housing, they were square in shape, simple and utilitarian.

Sigma Bf 35mm DG DN f2

What I found worth photographing, however, is the interesting shapes, details, and sizes of these constructions . I found these available for restoration work, sitting in a parking lot at a store (think more of a salvage type place), in Kingston, New York, another Mecca of Victorian Architecture (3 historic districts).

These weighty beasts are the skeletons of a passed industry, representing the Industrial Age, a period in which they were almost exclusively employed. Today, new electric heat pump “mini-split” units are the next new wave of heating and cooling. Something tells me they won’t have the same appeal in the future for the next generation of photographers.

Sigma Bf 35mm DG DN f2

Sigma Bf 35mm DG DN f2