English Metal Work. Ninety-three Drawings by W. Twopenny (1797-1873). With
a Preface by Laurence Binyon. (A. Constable and Co. 15s.)—In the preface we are told that "among the little-known collections in the British Museum is a very large series of drawings, bound in thirteen folios, and a number of smaller volumes, by William Twopenny, presented by his brother and executor in 1874. They are all drawings of architecture, furniture, woodwork, and ironwork, made from buildings in various parts of England during the first half of the last century. They were made from the point of view of an enthusiastic antiquary with knowledge and discrimination." The drawings themselves as here reproduced are of remarkable quality and delicacy. The artist seems so bent on reproducing the beauty of his subject without intruding his cleverness that he has arrived at a fine and dignified style unconsciously. What a wealth of simple dignity of design there is in these old door handles, keys, hinges, and fire-dogs. They are so beautiful in their appropriate.
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