National
“If at any time a radiator has appeared to be an intrusion or conspicuous in a room, the blame rests with the architect or the decorator. There is so large an assortment of patterns, shapes, sizes etc., that it is simply a matter of right choosing” — Radiation & Decoration (1905)
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The History of the National
The Origins
The National radiator was one of the earliest models designed by the American Radiator Company (ARCo) and became a cornerstone of their extensive range. ARCo produced more unique radiator designs than any other company, and the National was among their most expansive families. Introduced no later than 1897, it was available in single, two, and four-column variations from the start, making it one of the broadest and most versatile models in their lineup.
Early advertisements showcase the adaptability of the National, including examples like a staircase installation and an inventive way to place radiators around a window. As one of ARCo’s earliest and most cherished designs, it was a model that featured heavily in their adverts, catalogues and showrooms.
Image: Different configurations of the National radiator as advertised in ARCo’s 1897 manual.
The National: Key Features
The National radiator features a beautiful floral pattern at the top and bottom, connected by ribbon motifs through the centre. Like ARCo’s other ornate designs, such as the Rococo and Perfection, the National also had ‘ears’ at the top of each section, creating a decorative flair that contrasted with the smooth, rounded tops of school and hospital radiators.
An example of the National two-column radiator appears in ARCo’s 1905 Radiation and Decoration manual, which provided guidance on integrating radiators harmoniously into interior spaces. This particular model was highlighted as an example of ‘decorative harmony’, displaying custom paint jobs that were popular at the time.
Image: The National radiator in ARCos ‘Radiation and Decoration’ lookbook (1905).
Across the Pond
Despite being an American design, the National radiator became surprisingly common in the UK. Starting in 1897, ARCo began importing National radiators from their factories in Buffalo and Michigan, establishing a presence in Britain with a showroom on Queen Victoria Street in London. Their 1905 catalogue even highlights the London showroom, illustrating the growing popularity of these radiators in the UK.
We recently restored several National radiators in Leicester Cathedral, where they now heat the historic building that houses the remains of King Richard III—famously rediscovered beneath a car park in 2012.
Image: ARCos London showroom in their 1905 manual.
