What is Y-tracery?
Y-tracery (Dutch: vorktracering) is a form of tracery in a window with an arch at the top, in which the vertical mullions split into two or more arms above the springing of the arch. The simplest form is a mullion that splits into two arms in a Y shape: the single fork. With a double fork, several mullions split, creating a network of smaller pointed arches.
Another Dutch word for the form is vorkmontant: the montant is the vertical stone mullion from which the tracery is built up.
Material and function
Y-tracery is usually made of natural stone or brick, but also occurs in metal. In some churches, the original natural stone tracery was later replaced with brick.
The tracery had two functions:
- structural: together with the iron saddle bars, it formed a sturdy framework for the many small panes of glass, often leaded glass;
- decorative: the fork gives the window a clear, rhythmic shape.
The pointed-arch window sections are usually identical in shape. Sometimes the outer arches are lower, creating a different appearance.
In practice: recognising and maintaining
- You mainly see Y-tracery in Gothic and Gothic Revival churches and chapels.
- When maintaining such windows, the junction between the leaded glass and the stonework and the condition of the iron saddle bars are important points to watch: rusting iron expands and can crack natural stone.
- On a listed monument, tracery is repaired in consultation with the heritage adviser, using a suitable type of stone and mortar.
Related terms
- Tracery
- Pointed arch
- Gothic
- Leaded glass
- Listed monument
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