Edward Town

Artisan Mannerism - The Making of a Style

My dissertation investigates the relationship between practice and theory in the decorative arts in the period 1570-1630. Focusing on the role of the Joiners' Company, I argue for the existence of an elaborate network of craftsmen and artificers. This network, forged by religious predilection, shared working environments, guild structure and familial ties, served as a means by which both skills and knowledge could be transmitted.

This relationship between community and communication is examined through the analysis of a wide range of source material. Tenement records, wills and testaments are read alongside each other to provide a vivid picture of those craftsmen who made England's Renaissance material. The first half of the study examines this craft network through the career of the Joiner, Tomb-maker and Pageant-maker, Garret Christmas, and argues for Christmas' dynamic participation in this artisan community.

The second half of the study tests these assertions through the analysis of a specific case study. 1604-7 saw the renovation of Syon House, under the patronage of the Wizard Earl, Henry Percy. Like a satellite, Syon was independent of London, but well within its sphere of influence. It is unsuprising to find then that the vast majority of the workforce was recruited from London's craft community. Challenging previous perceptions, this dissertation argues that houses such as Hatfield, Blickling and Syon were products of a metropolitan style, one that had been forged through community and a series of composite working environments.

The negotiation of practice and theory through these forms of communication were the making of the style.