Enamel Literature and How to Build a Library
 by Woodrow Carpenter
 from Volume 13, No. 4, August 1994

     A statement often heard is, "When I started enameling there was nothing written on the subject."  Literally this is a gross misstatement, but practically the speaker was either not aware of the vast amount of literature about enamels and enameling or did not know how to find it.  A companion statement is, "I was isolated".  On the other hand, we hear of many enamelers who discovered, by chance, a book about enamels, and found a fascinating pursuit.

     The writer remembers the isolation feeling though it was short lived.  Fifty years ago, living in a small town, nothing could be found in the library about enamel.  Visiting the library in a sizable city, several miles away, produced some results.  They had Cunynghame's "ON THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF ART-ENAMELLING UPON METALS," and Fisher's "THE ART OF ENAMELLING UPON METAL".  According to the cards in the back of the books, they had been loaned out only two or three times, and the last time had been more than 20 years.  Although, very excited with our find, the information was not a step by step procedure.  The dawn came in 1951 with "ENAMELING PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE" by Kenneth F. Bates.  A number of books followed and one or two books on enameling could usually be found in many libraries in the United States.

     We have no knowledge of the availability, of books on enameling, to the beginning enameler in other parts of the world fifty years ago.  It should have been better in Europe.  Starting with Theophilus in the 12th century, considerable was written about enamel, especially in France and Germany.

     Today there is an abundance of published information about enamel and enameling.  There is still the problem of knowing what has been published and where to find it.

     The writer classifies enamel literature into three groups:

1. Art Enamels and Enameling

2. Industrial or Utilitarian Enameling

3. Archaeology and Conservation

     The first group, Art Enamels and Enameling, covers the greatest span of time and is of interest to the largest share of our readers.  This group consists of instruction books with step by step procedures, coffee table books, museum catalogs, exhibition catalogs, newsletters, magazine articles, newspaper articles, brochures, scholarly books on the history of enamel, etc.

     Our personal goal has been to learn as much as possible about what has been published, obtain a copy to examine, and in most cases to purchase a copy, if available, or as a last resort, a photocopy if possible.  One of our early sources was BIBLIOGRAPHY OF GLASS (from the earliest records to 1940).  Compiled by G.S. Duncan, published by the Society of Glass Technology, Sheffield, England in 1960.  More than 15,000 listings of glass and allied subjects are provided, many with a short abstract.  Almost 100 references are listed in the index for enamels, enameling, and enamelers.  Here you meet authors including Theophilus, Popelin, Clouzet, Day, Cunynghame, Randau, Ferrand, Andrews, etc.

     The next reference we discovered was READERS' GUIDE TO PERIODICAL LITERATURE, a series of volumes in the public library.  126 periodicals are abstracted and cross indexed under categories such as Enamel, Enameling and Cloisonne.  The first volume covers the years 1890-1899.  Later volumes cover 12 month periods.  There are several cumulative indexes covering a number of years.  Earlier ones ten or more years, while more recent ones cover only five years.

     Most books and periodical articles contain bibliographies which provided additional leads.  These we recorded on index cards and filed alphabetically.

     There are six bibliographies in the previous issues of Glass on Metal:

• Vol. 7, No. 4, August 1988.  Bibliography of Enameling Books.

• Vol. 8, No. 5, October 1985.  Bibliography of Enameling Books, Part II.

• Vol. 10, No 5, October 1991.  Russia:  A Bibliography of Periodical Articles.

• Vol. 11, No. 1, February 1992.  18th Century British Enamels Periodical Bibliography.

• Vol. 12, No. 6, December 1993.  China Enamel Bibliography.

• Vol. 13, No. 2, April 1994.  Byzantine Enamels Bibliography.

     These bibliographies have been expanded in book form, listing over 1000 books and over 2000 periodical articles.  BIBLIOGRAPHY ON ENAMELS, ENAMELING, AND ENAMELISTS is available from:  Biblio, 546 South Meridian, Studio #707, Indianapolis, IN  46225.  Price is $48.50 postpaid.  

     We soon discovered larger libraries had books about enamel that were not on the lending shelves.  Some were in stacks, reference copies which could not be checked out.  They had to be read in the library, but with a supply of dimes, important sections could be copied.  Later, many of the titles were purchased as explained below.

     It was a pleasant surprise to find larger libraries have rare book sections.  Imagine finding a deluxe copy of Popelin's L'Email Des Peintres with an enameled miniature on the front cover.  A few years ago, some libraries permitted photocopying of rare books.  Now it usually  is not permitted, however, many rare books are on microfilm.  Many libraries have machines to view and copy them.  On a number of occasions we have located microfilms in libraries or museums in distant cities.  Sometimes they will provide copies at an affordable price.  Other times we have waited years until we could visit and make the copies ourselves.

     The inter-library loan system has been very helpful.  With the name of the book and the author you can find out, within minutes, what participating library has the book you want.  In many cases the book will arrive within two or three weeks, you pay the postage both ways, and depending on the rarity can take it home for two weeks or read it in the library over a two week period.  The inter-library loan person will also be able to tell you if a book is on microfilm, who has copies, and in some cases may provide advise about how to obtain a copy.

     Occasionally books are published but do not stay in print very long.  Thus, beginning enamelers have a problem purchasing books published only a few years earlier.  The first place to look is used book stores.  Many of us make a habit of visiting the used book stores in every city we go to on business, vacation or whatever.

     When books go out of print the remaining stock is frequently sold to "remainder" dealers.  We have purchased many books from Edward R. Hamilton, Falls Village, CT  06031-5000.  He mails a sizable list two or three times a month.  The list contains thousands of books, so it takes a while to find the one or two books desired.  The list is free for the asking.  Write, don't call.  His number is unlisted.  In most cases, the prices are discounted.  Antique Week, P.O. Box 90, Knightstown, IN  46148 is published weekly and has several pages of books for sale by used book dealers.  Quite often two or three books about enamel are offered.  Usually the prices are quite reasonable.  Subscription price is $12.85 for six months or $24.45 for one year.  Their telephone is 800 876-5133.

     We frequently purchase new books from 'The Scholar's Bookshelf', 110 Melrich Rd., Cranbury, NJ  08512.  They send a list or two every month, and at no charge.  These are new books on art in general.  Their most recent list includes the reprint of Japanese Cloisonne by Coben and Ferster, as well as the reprint of Marie-Madeleine Gauthier's Emaux Du Moyen Age Occidental.

     Forty years ago, we started purchasing books from a bookstore which conducted a search of our field of interest.  They found a number which we did not have.  After a few years it was difficult for them to continue finding books we had not already purchased.  They changed owners a few years ago and discontinued the searching service.  In the most recent issue of Antique Week, we see the following ad:  Book Hunting?  Free Search.  Bailes, Box 150, Eureka Springs, AR  72632.

     In the October 1993 issue of  The Vitreous Voice, Kyle D. Pearson lists:  Wahrenbrocks Book House, 726 Broadway, San Diego, CA  92101, Tel. (619) 232-0132.  Searches $2.00 per title.  $5.00 maximum no matter how many titles.  Computerized search of 1400 book dealers.  Talk to Aaron.

     We have purchased a number of books from Derek J. Content, Inc., in Houlton, Maine.  Since May 1, 1994, his address is Bulland Lodge, Chipstable, Taunton, TA4 2QB, England.  Tel. 44 984 624-288, fax. 44 984 624-540.

     The Book Exchange, 90 West Market St., Corning, NY  14930, tel. 800 752-0196 mails an occasional list.  They list more glass than enamel books, but we have found several interesting titles.

     Wooden Porch Books, Rt. 1, Box 262, Middlebourne, WV 26145, tel. (304) 386-4434, in an excellent source for enamel books and art in general.  They have had a booth at each of our conventions.  In addition, they have reprinted The Enamelist by Kenneth F. Bates.

     Whitlock Farm Booksellers, 20 Sperry Rd., Bethany, CT  06524-3599, mails a frequent list of books about various subjects.  There are always subjects such as Arts, Crafts, Science, Technology, Trades, etc.  Cost is $5.00 per year.  Telephone is (203) 393-1240.

     Hacker Art Books, 45 West 57 St., New York, NY  10019, mails a catalog several times a year.  These are new books, but often at reduced prices.  In their latest catalog we find three bargains on enamel books.  Masterpieces from the Robert von Hirsch Sale at Sotheby's at $4.95.  Medieval Enamels by Marian Campbell at $4.95.  More Street Jewellery by Baglee and Motley at $8.95.  Telephone is (212) 688-7600, fax (212) 754-2554.  There is no charge for their catalog.

     Exchanging information with other enamelers, having similar interests, is most helpful in building a library.  We owe much to Erika Speel for sending titles unknown to us, locating hard to find books at book sellers in London, and photocopies of rare finds.

     The above is how I went about building my library.  Today, gathering information about what has been written about enamel is much easier.  Most libraries have electronic search systems which are fantastic.  There are many networks such as Readers Guide, Infotrack, Art Index, etc.  Ask your librarian for help.

     The Industrial or Utilitarian Enamel literature dates from the late 18th century.  It deals with the science and technology of enameling, research and development, mass production techniques, history and news of industrial concerns, marketing, and miscellaneous subjects of interest to the industry.

     Most readers will have less interest in this group of literature than the other two groups.  However, three people have requested the following information within the past month.  One an employee of a U.S. bureau writing the history of architectural enameling.  A second was a museum conservator of enamels.  The third was a member who wanted more knowledge about enamel technology.

     The majority of all enamel articles, worldwide, written during the past one hundred years are listed in six bibliographies:

1. Bibliography and Abstracts of Literature on Enamel.  Landrum & Carter, 1929.  This covers articles prior to 1928.

2. Enamel Bibliographies and Abstracts.  1928-1939.

3. Enamel Bibliographies and Abstracts.  1940-1949.

4. Enamel Bibliographies and Abstracts.  1950-1959.

5. Enamel Bibliographies and Abstracts.  1960-1969.

6. Enamel Bibliographies and Abstracts.  1970-1979

     Articles from 1980 to date are listed, on a yearly basis, in the November-December issue of Ceramic Abstracts for each year.  Listings are under enamels, enameling, enameling industry, art, archaeology, etc.

     The above bibliographies were published by The American Ceramic Society, 735 Ceramic Place, Westerville, Ohio  43081, tel. (614) 890-4700.  The Society's principle publications are the JOURNAL, BULLETIN, CERAMIC ABSTRACTS, and CERAMIC ENGINEERING & SCIENCE PROCEEDINGS.  The JOURNAL, devoted to scientific papers is published monthly.  The BULLETIN containing articles of less scientific nature, plant operations, news, and administrative matters, is published monthly.  CERAMIC ABSTRACTS, published every second month, contains abstracts of more than 350 periodicals and books, worldwide.  Covering the field of ceramics as defined by The American Ceramic Society, these abstracts are divided into 31 sections.  Sections of interest to enamelers are Section 2:  Art, Design and Archeology, Section 4:  Ceramic-Metal Systems, and possibly Section 5:  Glass Chemistry, Glass Properties, and Glass Processing.  CERAMIC ENGINEERING & SCIENCE PROCEEDINGS is published every second month.  Each issue is devoted to one field of ceramics.  The issue 5-6 (May-June) of each Volume is devoted to the papers presented at the Porcelain Enamel Institute Technical Forum the previous November.

     Much of the above information is offered online through Orbit Search Service, Dialog Information Services, and STN International.  For information call Ceramic Information Center, phone (614) 794-5810.

     The above literature is quite voluminous and mainly scientific in nature, however it contains considerable information about art enameling.  This is where we first learned about authors such as Fisher, Chapin, Maryon, and several others.

     Archeology and conservation literature has to do with excavation, conservation, documentation, examination, analysis, history, replication, etc.  Modern analytical methods, especially non-destructive ones, have provided conservators a giant leap toward documentation and replication.  Rapid progress has been made during the past dozen years.

     Archeology and conservation literature is indexed in the semi-annual publication Art and Archeology, Technical Abstracts (AATA) published by the Getty Trust in association with the International Institute for Conservation.  The two semi-annual publications constitute a volume.  A cumulative annual subject index is published in the second number of each volume.  Recent volumes are priced at $75.00 each.  Earlier volumes (1971-1991) are available as a set at discount.  A cumulative index for years 1974-1988 is available at $60.00.  We do not know how widely distributed these publications are in public libraries.  For more information contact:  AATA Editorial Office, The Getty Conservation Institute, 4503 Glencoe Ave., Marina Del Rey, CA  90292, USA.  Tel. (310) 822-2299.

     All of the above abstracts are available through the bibliographic database (BCIN) of the Conservation Information Network.  Contact:  Canadian Heritage Information Network, 365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0C8, Canada.  Tel. (613) 992-3333.

     Acquiring a library of enamel literature provides the opportunity to widen our knowledge about our favorite subject.  At the same time, it can make us feel remorseful for never taking time to become proficient in reading German and French.  Italian and Spanish would also be helpful.