A Revolution in Wood: The Bresler Collection
From CHOICEAn insightful foreword by Elizabeth Broun, director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, introduces this exquisite volume, which accompanied an exhibition of the same name featuring 66 functional and nonfunctional wood objects (dating to between 1986 and 1999) that were donated by Fleur and Charles Bresler. Bell (curator, Renwick Gallery) provides an informed historical look at the lathe, an overview of the Bresler collection, and a discussion of its place in the museum's permanent collection. In addition to large color photographs, eloquent commentary accompanies each piece and notes its contribution to the field. Former curator Kenneth Trapp reveals in a conversation with Fleur Bresler that her interest in wood was sparked by a 1986 Renwick exhibition of turned wood bowls.A Revolution in Woodis a very appropriate title--not only are most of the objects turned, but many of them revolutionized contemporary craft. The donation, which includes many early examples on the cutting edge, complements and expands the Renwick collection to more than 200, all of which are documented with color photos and descriptions. An extensive bibliography enhances this fabulous resource.Summing Up:Essential. Lower-level undergraduates and above; general readers. -- C. A. Ventura, Tennessee Technological UniversityFrom Library JournalIn this exhibition catalog, Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery curator Bell highlights the recent gift of 66 dynamic and elegantly crafted turned- and carved-wood objects from noted collectors Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of former Renwick curator-in-charge, Kenneth R. Trapp. The book includes Bell’s thoughtful essay on the “Roots” and “Revolution” of the wood-turning movement and a conversation with Fleur Bresler by Trapp. The main section features photographic highlights and details of the new collection, including physical descriptions of each object and brief synopses of the 38 artist’s backgrounds, from renowned artisans such as David Ellsworth, Ron Fleming, and Rude Osolnik to newer artists Michelle Holzapfel, Todd Hoyer, and Hugh McKay. This collection was donated to ensure that these magnificent treasures are preserved for future generations. The final section provides a photographic glimpse of the Renwick’s entire permanent wood art collection, excluding furniture.VERDICTRecommended for American craft and wood enthusiasts.—Stephen Allan Patrick, Jonesborough, TN