16 April 2007 Diversions

No, not what you're thinking! I've been commissioned to write all the Brangwyn entries for a book the Ferens Art Gallery are publishing later this year on their Victorian and Edwardian collections. And I've until the end of August to write everything up - so FBSG may go on the back burner for a while - only NOT for the next three days!

20 February 2007 Tiffany Squared

Brilliant - after months of correspondence with two galleries in the USA have finally got images of Baptism of Christ and Child with Gourds, two of the stained glass panels which Tiffany made from FB's cartoons. Smashing they are (probably not the correct word to use in the vicinity of glass).

2 February 2007 SGFA and babies

Reading a crit by Martin Hopkinson in Print Quarterly, XXIII, in which he notes that the Society of Graphic Art 'remains virtually unstudied'. Bells start clamouring. Crumbs, I was made an Honorary member of what is now titled the Society of Graphic Fine Art last autumn, and since FB was the first President, I think I am beholden to write an article.

Quickly contacted Martin who thought it a good idea, and Roger Lewis (current President) who also thought it a jolly wheeze, so must get cracking!

Another bit of good news - Agnews recently sent me a drawing of a baby they wanted identifying and there was something vaguely familiar about it - EUREKA - I suddenly realised that it's the baby in the nativity window at Bucklebury. So they are sending me a good image of same for FBSG.

1 January 2007 Resolutions

Well, I want to publish a monograph of Christ's Hospital and a DVD on Brangwyn's stained glass this year!

I wonder how much I will have achieved when I review the situation (shades of Oliver in background) a year from now!

23 September 2006 Miscellany

Miscellany sang at my in-law's Diamond Wedding celebrations - reminded me how very professional they are - and good fun into the bargain. Here they all are, left to right:

Carolyn Morgan, accompanist Sue Gregory, Andrea Argent, Ann Seabright, Audrey Barnes, Wendy Sargeant, Alison Pemple, Marianne McAleer, Chris Parfitt, Helen Hill, Pam Pimm.

Abbreviations and Who's Who of Windows

1898-1899
Brangwyn produced 6 designs for stained glass panels for Tiffany:
Baptism of Christ, Child Picking Gourd, Flute Player, Youth and Age, Nymphs and Herma, Girl with Fruit Bowl.

1912-1917
East window and Nativity window in north aisle, St Mary the Virgin, Bucklebury, Berkshire

1920
East window, United Reformed Church, Abington Avenue, Northampton

1927-1928
Memorial window in south aisle, St Winifred's, Manaton, Devon

c1936
Single lancet in Holy Cross chapel, and 5 double lancets in Chapter Hall, St Andre's Abbey, Zevenkerken, Bruges

1937
Memorial window, north transept, St Patrick's, Dublin

1937
West window, St Andrew and St Patrick, Elveden, Suffolk


Just so's you know:

FB = Frank Brangwyn
FBSG = Frank Brangwyn. Stained Glass (i.e. the planned DVD)
CM = Charles Mapleston
Film Farm = CM's home, a secret location in deepest, darkest Lincolnshire

WHO'S WHO?

LIBBY HORNER

The brains behind the project! Libby discovered Brangwyn in 2000 and since then the two have become inseparable. Libby is the world's leading authority on Brangwyn: she curated the most comprehensive exhibition ever held of Brangwyn's work (2006, Leeds, Bruges and Swansea); co-edited and contributed two essays to the accompanying publication Frank Brangwyn 1867-1956; wrote Frank Brangwyn. A Mission to Decorate Life for The Fine Art Society/Liss Fine Art selling show, Spring 2006; presented and wrote the script for the Brangwyn DVD, ART? It's just a job! (2006); lectures about the artist; writes about the artist; lives and breathes the artist - and started the website: http://www.frankbrangwyn.org/


Libby combines the tasks of researcher, writer and presenter of the DVD.

CHARLES MAPLESTON

The filmmaker. Charles produced and directed the Brangwyn DVD, ART? It's just a job! (2006). His production company Malachite is an Independent production company which produces work for the cinema and international broadcast television, as well as for corporate and business clients. They originate work on both film and digital video but the final product is increasingly on DVD, often with sophisticated menu structures and bonus material. They have a track record for producing long-running series as well as quality 'one-offs'; from observational documentaries to stylish education programmes and lifestyle television, specialising in making tightly controlled imaginative films with strong story lines and a focus on people. The subject matter ranges from design, technology and environmental issues to the arts, dance, music and entertainment. They are also developing micro-budget fiction. For more information visit the website at: http://www.malachite.co.uk/

GARETH MORGAN

The artist. Gareth Morgan studied Architectural Stained Glass at Swansea, following an academic career in Modern Languages. He has been a stained glass artist for the past twenty years, working to commission. He undertakes all aspects of the work himself, from the design stage through to the installation. His windows are in private houses; public buildings, e.g. The Royal Bolton Hospital and Trinity College Carmarthen; and numerous churches in England and Wales. He also creates autonomous panels, a number of them inspired by Welsh myths and other works of literature. He has been interviewed about his work a number of times on SC4, Radio Wales and The World Service.

MIKE WESTBROOK

The Composer. Mike has led and composed for a succession of Big Bands and small groups since the 1960s. He has toured extensively throughout Europe and further afield and made 40 albums. He has written for classical ensembles, choirs and brass bands, for radio, TV, theatre and cinema. His principal compositions for Jazz Orchestra include Citadel/Room 315 featuring John Surnam, On Duke's Birthday dedicated to the memory of Duke Ellington, Big Band Rossini which was featured in the 1992 Proms. His television music credits include the award winning BBC drama Caught on a Train by Stephen Poliakoff starring Peggy Ashcroft. Compositions for voice include settings of European poetry, notably in The Cortege and The Westbrook Blake. A documentary of the jazz oratorio Turner in Uri premiered in Switzerland in 2003, was filmed for Swiss TV by Malachite. Turner in Uri is one of a whole series of collaborations with Kate Westbrook that ranges from their first jazz cabaret Mama Chicago to the current Waxeywork Show. His opera Coming Through Slaughter based on the novel by Michael Ondaatje, was premiered in 1994. Jago, with libretto by Kate, was commissioned by Wedmore Opera in 2000. His latest album Chanson Irresponsable, performed by the New Westbrook Orchestra, a group that combines jazz and classical musicians, is released on Enja Records.

Mike was awarded the OBE in 1988. For more information see: http://www.westbrookjazz.co.uk/

MISCELLANY

The heavenly choir. The vocal ensemble Miscellany, formed in 1982, is based in Clevedon, North Somerset and comprises eleven female singers. They have won classes at festivals including the Bristol Eisteddfod, were highly commended finalists in the HTV televised Sing Out Competition in 1996 and 2000, and were the first musicians to perform at the National Trust Property, Tynestesfield in 2003. For more information: http://www.miscellany.org.uk/