Bell Gables 1660 – 1790
The top of a bell gable has the shape of a church bell and is also referred to as a clock-gable. They are made of brick and have sandstone scroll-like decorations on the edges.
The house above at Keizersgracht 50 which dates back to 1622 originally had a step-gable. This was replaced in 1783 with a bell-gable shown when the house was renovated.
The decorative sandstone is often compared with think dabs of cream or the white wigs which were fashionable in this era.
Bell gables are regarded as an evolution of the neck-gable and have a similar silhouette. The main difference is that the brickwork extends into the bell shape
Prior to 1700, the bell gables were lower and simpler and also often have a pediment with fruit and flower garlands. In later years they were characterised by exuberant attachments and asymmetric crests in the style of Louis XV.
At Keizergracht 353-357 and Reguliersgracht 17-21 are groups of three canal houses built at the start of the 18th century, all with bell gables. Another earlier example can be seen at Prinsengracht 716 built in 1671.
Double Bell Gables
Brouwersgracht 143-145
Blauwbergwal 22