Boss (medieval architecture)
In medieval architecture, a boss is a stone or timber knob or protrusion, most commonly found in ceilings at the location of keystones in vaulting, expressing the junction between the intersecting ribs. Their original purpose was to conceal the complex mitred joints.
They are typically intricately carved with decorative features such as foliage, heraldic devices, animals, faces, and so on.
Bosses are commonly found in the medieval architecture of England rather than France, which is believed to be due to the greater height of French naves. By the 14th century, very ornate bosses were carved that depicting a series of narrative scenes. In the 15th century, fan vaulting was developed with long, pendant-like bosses.
Famous examples of bosses can be found in Westminster Abbey, London.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
IHBC NewsBlog
Context 180 Released - Where Heritage and Nature Meet
The issue includes life, death, Forests, bats, landscapes and much more.
Church architecture awards 2024: now open
The National Churches Trust has announced three awards, all of which are run in partnership with the Ecclesiastical Architects & Surveyors Association (EASA).
The essential sector guide includes officers' updates and a foreword by EH Chair Gerard Lemos.
Historic England opens nominations for the National Blue Plaque Scheme
The scheme is open to nominations to celebrate people from all walks of life.
Striking photos show nature reclaiming brutalist concrete
‘Brutalist Plants’ explores nature’s links to the architectural style characterised by imposing form and exposed concrete.
Purcell’s guidance on RAAC for Listed Buildings in England & Wales
The guidance specifically focuses on Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in listed buildings.
IHBC Membership Journal Context - Latest Issue on 'Hadrian's Wall' Published
The issue includes takes on the wall 'end-to-end' including 'the man who saved it'.
Heritage Building Retrofit Toolkit developed by City of London and Purcell
The toolkit is designed to provide clear and actionable guidance for owners, occupiers and caretakers of historic and listed buildings.
70 countries sign Declaration de Chaillot at Buildings & Climate Global Forum
The declaration is a foundational document enabling progress towards a ‘rapid, fair, and effective transition of the buildings sector’
Bookings open for IHBC Annual School 12-15 June 2024
Theme: Place and Building Care - Finance, Policy and People in Conservation Practice.