When these Guerin masterworks of
hardware are placed as knobs, hooks,
spouts, levers, tiebacks and finials
among others, they repeatedly inform
us of the natural world beyond our own
precincts. In studying these objects a
child would learn a great deal about nature; an adult would be reminded of the
enduring artistic merit in figurative representation. These objects contribute
to balancing domestic environments by
necessity also occupied by remarkable
technology.
The simplest of technology greets the
visitor when they employ the Guerin gilt
lion���s head door-knocker, a sculptural
masterpiece of the genre. In one glance
this talisman conveys strength, stability
and in the most benign way, warning.
The continuation of Guerin���s long history is assured by this ���Whimsy��� collection, not to mention the dignity and
artistic excellence found in all of this ancient firm���s other diverse collections. H
By Christopher Hyland
HYLAND
