Gables

View from our apt. Notice two spouts on left and three neck gables.

In an architectural style known as Dutch Classicism, the magnificent gables so indicative of the Golden Age are truly ubiquitous in Amsterdam. Heck, they’re all over Holland. First appearing in the 16^th century, the decorative front apexes of buildings were designed to disguise the steepness of the roofs, under which goods were stored. In time the utilitarian design was adorned by scrolls, crests, and even coats-of-arms.

Bell with hoist beam

The protruding hoist beams found on nearly every building are just as prevalent. In an era when taxes were based on building width, stairwells were narrow and unbelievably steep (to say the least). Hoist beams were, and remain, an absolute necessity for moving furniture and large objects to upper floors. Nowadays movers use hydraulic lifts for huge pieces like pianos and refrigerators, but it is commonplace to see them also using ropes and pulleys attached to the hoist beams to lift palettes of whatever they are delivering.

There are several basic styles of gables: Step, Spout, Point, Neck, and Bell; and there are several variations on these and countless design modifications.

Step

Point or Spout?

Step: Designed in the Dutch Renaissance style, popular between 1580-1660. One estimate counts only approximately 100 step gables left in 2013:

Spout (aka Tuit or Funnel): Typically used by merchants to denote warehousing or trade rather than residential property; often resembles an inverted funnel. Spout and Point seem very similar.

Neck: Popular between 1640-1775; (The “raised neck” was a transitional design used in the years between popular use of step and neck gables. The ornamental hood added to the top is called “klauwstukken” in Dutch. The very first neck gable remains today at Herengracht 168.)

Bell

Point: These simple shapes follow the contour of the roof

Bell: Popular between 1660-1790; Often featured decorative panels with family shields or other indicators of family business such as grain, coffee, wool, etc. (The “clock” bell was popular during the 17^th and 18^th centuries, so named because it resembled a church bell, usually adorned with designs of flowers and fruit.

Cornice: These make pointed roofs look classically horizontal.