The Architect in History by Martin Shaw Briggs (review)

168 Books understanding of the technique. Lithography is a versatile medium, providing a range from the making of relatively simple designs in one color to the making of complex pictures in several colors, demanding the utmost in technical and artistic skill. It is doubtful that most artists can learn by themselves how to make lithographs in editions of suitable number and to solve the various technical problems that may arise. It is generally necessary to be taught in a lithography studio. The recent rapid development of printing techniques has opened many possibilitiesto artists [2]. Yet, curiously, they seem to manifest little interest. I wish that more would read Harold Curwen’s book [3], which is addressed to them, giving an introduction to traditional techniques as well as to modern printing processes, supported by ample illustrations and a good bibliography. While the graphic arts are not a suitable medium for all artists, 1 feel that all should have some experience in it. References 1. Book Review, Leonardo 6, 274 (1973). 2. R. Faerber, Instant Lithography for the Artist-Printmaker, Leonardo 4, 147 (1971). 3. H. Curwen, Processes of’ Graphic Reproduction in Printing, revised by C. Mayo (London: Faber & Faber. 1966). The Appreciation of Stained Glass. Lawrence Lee. Oxford Univ. Press, London, New York and Toronto, 1977. 118 pp.. illus. f5.50. Reviewed by Peter Tysw* This book is essential reading for those who are in any way connected with or interested in stained glass. Lee draws on his wealth of experience and deep commitment to this art to produce a lucid and well organised treatise covering the unique visual qualities of the medium and an analysis of its historical development. Sections include those headed The Framework of the Building, The Glaziers, The Spectator, Scale and Structure, Line, Colour, and Design. The illustrations are an essential part of the general thesis and with the well-written text make an informative. well-balanced book. Lee strikes an immediate chord in those stained and coloured glass artists ‘working in the very latest idioms of modern art, often revolutionary in technique’ whose names are virtually unknown to public. critics and galleries. This anonymity has always been a traditional feature of the glazier. The analysis and constructive criticism of recent works produced by well-known artists, who have had no background in the craft, is particularly valuable. Any artist who intends using coloured glass should read this book. and potential clients should be directed to it. Since practically all the glass illustrated is from religious buildings, it would have been interesting to have seen some secular examples. as many new patrons come from this area. But this is a comment rather than a criticism on such a worthwhile book. Videology and Utopia: Explorations in a New Medium. Alfred Willener. Guy Milliard and Alex Gantry. Trans. from French and edited by Diana Burfield. Routledge & Kegan Paul, Boston, Mass., and London, 1976. 171 pp.. illus. Paper, f4.50. Reviewed by John Halas** During the past three decades many ‘experts’ have analysed the impact on people of Television (TV). Most of their assumptions have turned out to be wishful thinking. Marshall McLuhan’s concept of TV’s influence leading to the ‘Global Village’ is unrealized and becoming no more than a romantic notion. Instead. in many parts of the world, mass communication has been misused and turned into an instrument of propaganda. Consequently, the powerful potential of TV has proved to be a mixed blessing, and, even asa new art form, its promisesstill have to be realized. *Vineyard Cottage, Dartington, Totnes TQ9 6HW, England. **International Animated Film Association, 3-7 Kean St., London WC2. England. It is in education that the major progress has been achieved. New development of video recording on magnetic tape and comparatively inexpensive machines capable of providing synchronized images with sound and simultaneously playing them back have provided the opportunity to use TV as a personalized tool in schools and universities. These machines, called CCTV and VTR, are available world-wide. They are now ready to be applied to a much broader field. Willener, psychologist at the University of Lausanne, and Milliard and Gantry, members of his research team, have collated their studies of mass communication in...