SYMBOLISM IN DESIGN

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21578, 14 September 1935, Page 19

SYMBOLISM IN DESIGN

Symbols for Designers. A Handbook on the Application of Symbols and Symbolism to Design. By Arnold Whiitiok. With a foreward by Sir Herbert Baker. Crosby lioekwood and Son Ltd. 168 pp. (12/6 net.) Through Wbitcombe and Tombs Ltd. The most interesting section of this book for the ordinary reader—it is written for architects, sculptors, memorial designers, and so on—is the introduction, in which Mr Whittock develops some general ideas on Symbolism in design, especially in architectural design and with reference to the advanced symbolism of an architect like Erich Mendelsohn. In his observatory at Potsdam "many of the shapes that compose the structure and give the building its particular style are reminiscent of optical instruments." This is the application of the principle that "the shapes of a building are the symbols of the thought that created the building." For the rest, the book is a methodical account of the origin and significance and artistic development and proper use of a great many "symbols," such as the phoenix, the triscele, the caduceus, the fasces, the myrtle, and so on. A good deal that is said is obvious, though quite rightly included; but much more will increase the knowledge and understanding of all but [very, well equipped students. The 'illustrations are numerous and good.