An Italian Love Affair with Two American Photographers and Six Fine Art Professor Staff Members from the Vatican, He Undertook a Total Photographic Study
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Volume 25 Number 7 81 02 19 the foundation for the crown of the four angels almost three times lifesize and, hovering above, the orb and cros s, traditional symbols of the church. Equal in size to a modern eight storey building, this tomb marker is i mpressive rather than overpowering, situated as it is under St. Peters dome which rises 400 feet from the pavement. After three years of careful preparation, Dr. Kirwin was given permission by the Vatican in January, 1980, to undertake the first scientific investigation of the monument. He decided on a three-pronged survey. First, An Italian love affair with two American photographers and six Fine Art professor staff members from the Vatican, he undertook a total photographic study. The task was studies Baldachin in St. Peters formidable, he recalls. The whole exercise had to be done in artificial light. The reflection from the gold-leafed bronze posed many technical difficulties. Just positioning the cameras and personnel 60 feet and more above the ground called for some "imagina- F ifteen years ago Fine Art professor Chandler tive" planning. "We worked six days a week, Kirwin fell in love with what was to him "a approximately 12 hours a day, for three woman of incredible charms." The "woman" weeks," says Prof. Kirwin. The photography in this case was the City of Rome and his cap- was completed by the end of January, 1980 tivation with her and particularly with one of Photographs, however, tell only part of her loveliest jewels, St. Peters Basilica, changed the story. The professor also decided to em- the direction of his life. ploy an optical system called photogrammetry, As an undergraduate at Princeton, Prof. in order to obtain an architectural survey of Kirwin had been interested in modern art and the monument. Initially designed for use in fil m and began graduate study in that area at mapping the world, photogrammetry has only Stanford University in 1966. But winning an recently been adopted for inspection and Italian Government grant, which at the end of measurement of monuments in Europe. To his first year at Stanford, enabled him to spend accomplish this phase, Dr. Kirwin is collaborat- a year of study in Italy, changed all that. He ing with architects and technicians at the engaged in a whole host of Italian Renaissance department of architecture at the University of projects, primarily in Roman and Tuscan art Venice and at the Polytechnic in Milan. The and, finally in 1969, found himself working in photogrammetry is almost half done and Prof. St. Peters. Kirwin hopes it will be completed by early In time he came to realize that what was summer. He is scheduled to present the first "desperately needed" in the study of 17th findings of this survey to an international century Roman art, and specifically in the congress on photogrammetry to be held in investigation and critical appraisal of the work Vienna next October. of one of Italys greatest masters, Gianlorenzo The third phase of the investigation Bernini, was a book about Berninis first major involves chemical analysis of samples of the sculptural and architectural project, the monument — bronze, wood and other materi- Baldachin. als — supplied Dr. Kirwin by the Vatican. The Baldachin which Prof. Kirwin says These are presently being analyzed at the is "the single most elaborate and complicated conservation centre of the Fogg Museum at bit of bronze to have been constructed in Harvard. Italy since Antiquity," is a tomb cover, Altogether, over 20 people from around approximately 100 feet in height over the the world are collaborating with Prof. Kirwin, high altar in St. Peters. The altar marks the and the Vatican has agreed to sponsor the supposed burial site of Christs Vicar and the results of the findings in book form. first Bishop of Rome and thus is the most Anyone interested in seeing some of i mportant decoration inside the Basilica. Prof. Kirwins colored slides and hearing more It is Prof. Kirwins belief that the about Berninis Baldachin is invited to attend Baldachin, in its magnificence and intricacy, an open lecture given by the Fine Art profes- equals the ancient wonder of the world, the sor Sunday, February 22, 7 p.m. in Room 114, Colossus of Rhodes. Executed by Bernini and Arts building. q a group of artisans between 1624 and 1633, the monument consists of four massive, gold- Inside this issue: Prof. Kirwin with some of his photographs of leafed bronze columns, standing on marble Supplement by the Baldachin. In January he reported on his bases nine feet high. The columns rise 45 OFFICE FOR EDUCATIONAL present findings at a gathering in Rome mark- feet into the air and support a gilded wood PRACTICE ing the 300th anniversary of Berninis death. canopy, or baldachin, which in turn becomes Co-ordinator named for London Semester Professor William H. Hughes particular enthusiasm for the performance Professor William H. elements of drama. While working on his Hughes has been doctorate for the Shakespeare Institute, appointed chairman University of Birmingham, Prof. Mulholland of the Department lived near Stratford-upon-Avon and is familiar of Philosophy. A with the English scene. He is currently engaged member of the in preparing an edition to appear in the Revels Department since Plays Series published by Manchester Univer- 1966, Prof. Hughes sity Press. Two of the courses offered at moved up through Guelphs London House will be taught by Dr. the ranks to associate Prof. Mulholland Mulholland: "London Studies in the Human- professor in 1971. He Wouldnt you like to be in England now that ities," and studies in a particular area of drama. served as acting chairman for the two years spring is almost here? Each year the London Both courses are expected to involve field trips previous to his present appointment. Semester offers Guelph students the oppor- to places of interest. In addition to these, Prof. Hughes graduated from the Univer- tunity to experience an English spring. The regular London Semester offerings in drama sity of Toronto with a B.A. in 1960 and London Semester is a special program of and in music will be given by resident London received his M.A. (1963) and Ph.D. (1967) studies designed to make use of the uniquely instructors. from the University of London. rich resources of London. It is presented as An information meeting on the London While at Guelph he has served on Senate a regular part of the B.A. Program every winter Semester 1982, will be held at 8 p.m. in the and numerous committees including the semester and is based in Guelphs London 9th floor lounge of the Arts building March Budget Advisory Committee, B.A. Liaison House, an attractive 18th century building 3. This is designed as an introduction to the Committee, B.A. Program Committee, College close to Regents Park. The program is super- semester and as an opportunity for a question/ of Arts Academic Planning Committee, ACAP vised in London by a faculty member from answer session. It will feature a video-tape Philosophy Discipline Group, Ph.D. Program Guelph. The co-ordinator for next year is prepared by 1980 co-ordinator, English Lan- Committee, B.A. Program Steering Commit- Drama professor, Paul Mulholland. guage and Literature professor Marshall Matson tee and the Ad Hoc Committee for Integrated Prof. Mulholland, who teaches practical and Don McIntosh of the Office for Education- Humanities Program. He has regularly acted as courses in drama, has directed several produc- al Practice. Information about the semester examiner for M.A. and Ph.D. candidates and tions at the Inner Stage. His chief interests lie can be obtained from Prof. Mulholland, Room supervisor of candidates for Master of Arts in the areas of Shakespeare and his contem- 110, Massey Hall, or Professor Leslie Marshall, degrees. poraries, and modern drama. He also has a Room 439, Arts building .[] Prof. Hughes has been an active member of the University of Guelph Civic Orchestra Dr. Robin H. Farquhar, dean of the College of since 1976. He is also president of the Guelph Education, University of Saskatchewan, has been Youth Orchestra Association, secretary of the appointed the third president of the University of Guelph Philosophical Society, as well as Goods and Services Winnipeg. He succeeds Dr. H.E. Duckworth who associated with the Guelph Chamber Music For Sale — 1976 Kawasaki KH100 B7 (street) motor- will retire August 31 after 10 years in the position. Society and the Guelph Chamber Singers. q cycle, 822-3795, evenings; kitchen light fixture, 3314; stand for 30 gal. aquarium, 837-3166; 73 Matador or swap for camper trailer, 824-0792; 1976 Department of Psychology establishes faculty prizes Renault 5 car, 22,000 miles, excellent condition, The first Psychology Faculty Prizes, estab- 822-4245 after 5:30 p.m. the specialized honors student with the highest lished by contributions from faculty members average in psychology courses. Vivian Gies Wanted — Ride back and forth daily from Kitchener of the Department of Psychology, were pre- of Don Mills and Gerald Jellis of Guelph to University, share expenses, Wendy, Ext. 8154. sented to four students recently. received the prizes given to two students in Susan Gemmell of Guelph received the semesters three to five with four psychology Available — Workshops and demonstrations in natural prize for the Winegard Medal nominee from the core courses. food cooking, whole grain baking, vegetable protein, herbs, etc., Pat, 742-2922. Department, This award is based upon out- The annual prizes were awarded at the standing academic performance and partici- Psychology Undergraduate Wine and Cheese Found — Money on January 21, outside Arts 229, pation in extra-curricular activities.