HingeHeads
Press & Media Kit
Art for hinges sake!
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© 2001-2004 by HH Hardware LLC · 128 West De La Guerra · Santa Barbara, CA 93101 · Patents Pending
Phone 805.963.1321 · Toll Free 800.783.3013 · Fax 805.456.0121 · www.hingeheads.com · inquiry@hingeheads.com
History of the HingeHead(s)
Intrigued with the integration of design and personal expression, we developed the concept of the
HingeHeadTM
. An instrumental element leading to our idea of new fetishes or adornments for hinges was
an affinity with figurative and cultural icons of expression.
As we researched the history of the hinge, we discovered that originally leather, rope or layers of
leaves/sinews were commonly used materials. In the case of ancient indigent communities, leaves/sinews
were used for binding, not so much for privacy as for protection from the elements.
As the Iron Age came into being, the process of "smithing" metal hardware required a place on the hinge to
hold it over the fire. For the making of hinges, there was usually a "tail" of metal where the "smithy" could
grasp the "hinge-pin" without damaging the round axle of the hinge. These became known over time as
the "rat tail" and in fact there are today enthusiastic collectors of "rat-tail hinges." Naturally, over time
these "rat-tails" took on different shapes and curves as people desired to enhance their homes and express
their taste, delight and personality through their surroundings. Home enhancements were also a distinct
method for displaying their status or wealth in the community.
Once again the "rat-tail" would evolve. It's functional use allowed the part of the hinge to be pulled out
and later as skill, technology and art became more sophisticated, select hardware "smithies" added the
ball, acorn and pineapple to the top of the hinges.
Although the decorative hardware market has indeed evolved, we wanted to take it to another level of
evolution that was more personal. Quite simply, we wanted to offer a
wide variety of expressions
,
ease of
application
and the
highest quality
that you expect. After much research, development and labor, a method
for applying our miniature sculptures with only your hands, requiring only a few moments and
"no tools"
was successfully developed.
Hinges made by the top hinge makers and widely available hinges for homes were used as prototypes for the
development and measurements for the HingeHeadTM itself.
A two-sided reduced/adapter was created to
facilitate the application on to the hinge.
The result is products of high-quality, carefully crafted, lead free,
and easy to apply, expressive designs and finishes for our living spaces.
The decorative hinge finial, the
HingeHeadTM
, was birthed and today over
150 expressive designs
are
available. New designs and product line extensions are in process as well as licensed brand creations.
