ABOUT WEATHERVANES

Weathervanes are a traditional way of decorating the roofline of a building; they also have the practical purpose of indicating wind direction. They may be made of steel, brass or copper. When made of steel, they are ususally zinc plated and powder coated. For further protection in coastal sites they may be galvanized. Hundreds of standard designs are available, and custom designed weathervanes may also be made to special order.

LEADING UK WEATHERVANE SUPPLIERS

The following UK suppliers of weathervanes have comprehensive and informative websites, with information on materials for weathervanes, types of weathervane, and installation and maintenance of weathervanes.

Stan Jankowski supplies hand made weathervanes from his workshop at Bryn Melyn, Llanwddyn, Oswestry SY10 0LP, Wales. The weathervanes are made of copper or brass, with stainless steel spindles and solid brass mountings. All the vanes are secured to the spindles to prevent wind lift. Designs can be linked to pastimes, hobbies, and interests, with a wide choice of letter styles and adornments. Welsh designs are available, including a weathervane with a heraldic banner containing a red stained glass Welsh dragon.

Otter Weathervanes supplies a wide range of decorative weathervanes made of powder coated steel. There are over 600 designs, including 28 boats, 28 cars, 9 motorcycles, 14 cats, 5 deer, 12 sheep and shepherds, 22 occupations, and 20 tractors. The weathervanes are available in three sizes: Petite (16 inches across, suitable for sheds and outbuildings), Medium (21.5 inches across, suitable for garages, stables and bungalows), and Large (27.5 inches across, suitable for large barns and two storey buildings).

Dorset Weathervanes supplies decorative weathervanes made from steel which is zinc plated and powder coated. For additional protection in coastal areas, weathervanes may be galvanized. The weathervanes vary between 25 inches and 39 inches in length; they are delivered flat packed with a mounting bracket for attachment to a gable end or chimney. More than 500 designs are available, including: aircraft, bicycles, boats, cars, cats, cockerels, dogs, dragons, farm animals, fish, gardening, horses, motorbikes, sports, trains, and yachts.