Week 2: Independent Reflection

This has been a week where necessity had placed project-related practical work on hold.  However, I have sourced some useful publications to which I have committed time in the evenings…

Waters, W. (2012) Angels & Icons Pre-Raphaelite Stained Glass 1850-1870. Worcester: Seraphim Press Ltd. (Photography: Carew-Cox, A.)

This stunning 368-page hardback came direct from the photographer and represents nine years of research by author William Walters.  The detail is impressive and it has already proved its worth in helping with my research.  Possibly more importantly and certainly more uniquely within this field, it is illustrated throughout with exquisite images taken by photographer Alastair Carew-Cox.

I have been in communication with Alastair a few times with regard to his work.   For Angels & Icons he used 5″x4″ film and a plate camera to correct perspective.  However, in his most recent publication Damozels & Deities, in addition to plate he has used high end digital with tilt and shift lenses.  Because of the academic importance of the publications, he has to photograph what is actually in front of him, warts and all.  Consequently, unlike my images, his receive minimal post production, with the support bars, blemished and damage, etc., left in.

Volume three of the series is currently being researched and photographed, featuring far more of the works of Henry Holiday – a favourite artist of both of us.

With a number of my recent site visits featuring the works of Edward Burne-Jones, another book purchase was also by William Walters:

Waters, W. (1973) Burne-Jones: An Illustrated Life of Sir Edward Burne-Jones 1833-1898. Aylesbury, Shire Publications Ltd.

One of the earlier publications by Walters, this 48-page small paperback is illustrated throughout in black and white.  It provides an interesting life story of Burne-Jones, but sadly (for me) only touches on his stained glass work, focusing instead more on his watercolours and pencil drawings.

Rather less of an easy read and substantially harder to source, was one of Henry Holiday’s books:

Holiday, H. (1914) Reminiscences of My Life. London, William Heinemann.

I was hoping that this autobiography would mention some of Holiday’s works for the Chapel of St. Nicholas, but sadly there is no reference at all!  I outlines the varied and numerous interests of the artist and in particular his involvement with the Pre-Raphaelites,  and is illustrated with his work.  Thus far I have only dipped into the pages, having prioritised work, research and sleep ahead of the 465 pages!