DECANTING THOUGHTS

Another day, another book review. Sometimes I think that I only buy books about glass so that I can review them. I do review a lot of books, mostly they are for the Journal of the British Society of Scientific Glassblowers. Here’s one about decanters which are objects I have in the past taken for granted. I will no more!

DECANTERS ANCIENT TO MODERN ISBN 978-1851498406 by Andy McConnell

I like big books, and this is huge with 545 pages & 2,650 photographs full of everything you need to know about decanters. Not limiting itself to various descriptions of glass decanters the book expands the subject matter to include the social uses of decanters. I have four decanters, one I made, one engraved with a tiger, one traditional (Stuart Crystal) and one contemporary (wedding present). I don’t use any of them for their intended purpose. This book opens the debate as to shouldn’t we in society be more aware of such habits as decanting.

The author, Andy McConnell, should be well known to readers as he has appeared on the BBC television series the Antiques Roadshow. In addition, Andy was guest speaker at the BSSG Symposium in 2010 at Colchester.

The book starts with ancient Mesopotamia and finishes now at the modern day. So a long history which naturally needs a good stary teller to communicate the marvellous works of art. But this is no pretentious arty book where the reader feels inferior due to not being able to understand the subject matter. Andy has a very down to earth manner to putting across stories. Yes of course it focuses on drink vessels and some I would not regard as being typical decanter like.

Obviously years of research has gone into producing this book which incidentally is the second issue of the subject. Both written by Andy and I wonder if a third version is in the pipeline? If so perhaps it will include lamp work as this important type of hot glass working certainly has played a part in decanter design. We all know that don’t we? Look at the company “Stylish Whisky” with their Whisky Decanters.

My favourite chapters concern the 20th Century, Pre-War and Post-war Modernism. The Post-Modern chapter is a delight in that the illustrations are reproduced in vivid colours. In fact all the pictures throughout the book really tell the story of how the humble decanter has evolved.

As with all great books there is a detailed index. In addition, there are many pages listing periodicals, pamphlets and catalogues. As if this wasn’t enough to feat the decanter detective then a four-page bibliography completes the reference paradise.

Andy knows his stuff. He lectures on the subject, owns 30,000 pieces & runs Glass Etc, Britain’s largest antique & vintage glass gallery, in Rye on the Sussex coast of England. Impressive credentials then. I must take note and pop in next time I am in the area.

I recommend this book regardless of your interest in decanters as its highlights how things we take for granted could easily be forgotten.