The Church Towers of Somerset. Etchings by E. Piper, R.P.E.
Introduction and Descriptive Notes by J. L. Warden Paga (Frost and Reed, Bristol.)—A further instalment of this work issued in parts has reached us. We can only wish that the idea of the work, which was a good one, had been carried out a little more thoroughly. The notes are superficial, and there is great monotony in the etchings. Although each is no doubt an accurate portrait of details, the artist has failed to give an impression of the character and individuality of the towers. We are given neither an architect's study of detail nor an artist's impression of beauty. This is a pity, because the subject was one out of which so much could be made, for the towers of Somerset stand by themselves. They have a general likeness of style which makes them stand apart, while there is plenty of artistic indi- viduality in different examples. Architecture is never really impressive unless it combines well with its landscape surround- ings, but it is one of the merits of the Somerset builders that they could adapt their work to their locality. The exquisite grace of Wiscombe tower suits the smiling lower slope of Mendip on which it stands as perfectly as the heavier mass of the tower at Chewton dominates the soniewhat uncouth lines of the upper valley of the same hills. In this work before us the land- scape is primitive, and confined to an occasional tree pushed in from the side like a stage property. Some day we hope this subject may be treated again, and a photograph or architect's measured drawing given us for the facts, and an artist's impression of the church tower as it forms part of its surrounding landscape for the sentiment.
Previous page
