Wooden Shutters Hanging On

They are not stunning and most visitors probably don't even notice them but I love that many of the shops and homes around the market area of my adopted home in Petchaburi, Thailand, still have wooden shutters and doors across their front. They are a mixed bag, some well cared for, some lovingly restored, some needing attention and some simply falling apart.

It's the traditional style here that for the most part, unfortunately, has been replaced by practical and safe but incredibly ugly metalwork. So far, the oldest section of the market has managed to maintain its character partly through retaining these shutters. There are some indications that this is a deliberate effort at preservation of something valuable. I hope it continues. In that sense, although tourism isn't big in this town the benefits it brings are an incentive.

I had a wander around one morning specifically to look at these shutters. I went on a Sunday when most of the shops are closed so I could see the shutters shut rather than when the shops are open and the shutters are consertina'd off to the side. It was actually still quite busy, like a half-market day.

I love the understated style of these shutters. They are not ornate and do not shout out for your camera's attention. They are just a practical barrier that somehow makes the area feel welcoming.

Wood is such an alluring construction material. Even if the rest of the building is made of whatever modern blocks are cheapest, having significant wooden elements lends some character to a building and in this case a whole area.

For my personal interests I particularly enjoy their weathering. The wearing away of paint to reveal undercoats and grain, and the smoothing of textures from countless hands. Plus the old locks and hasps dulled by time to fit beautifully with the wood. At least until they get repainted every shutter is unique.

Even the ugly ones have aged appeal to my eye!

The newly painted ones are smart but look less homely and lived in. The cyan-and-white colour scheme seems to be the most popular.

And then there are the renovated ones. Not many have been done like this but one or two buildings have been completely re-done with wood throughout and they look fantastic. These ones do shout to be photographed.

Another reason for the move away from wood is termites. I saw evidence of their work and it's not something metal is going to suffer from so it's hard to blame the owners but it can be prevented with the right treatment.

This market area has a number of aspects that have been preserved to retain the old feel of earlier times and hopefully this will continue with these wooden shutters being an integral part of it.