Media Release   

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Horn: Its History and Its Uses

Adele Schaverien

 

‘Adele Schaverien’s twin talents as a practising horner and archivist have combined to make Horn: Its History and Its Uses a book of immense value. It is a comprehensive, authoritative, beautifully illustrated and thoroughly readable account…It will prove an indispensable tool for curators and archaeologists and deserves a place in every museum and public library.’

Hazel Forsyth, FSA, Senior Curator (Post-Medieval), Museum of London

 

Since the earliest times domestic cattle horn has been widely used by man, and the horners’ craft was as important as the plastics industry is today.

As well as being used for a wide range of purposes, as utilitarian objects in the home and workplace, personal items (fans, jewellery, buttons and combs), writing implements, and the pressed horn snuff boxes of the 17th and 18th centuries, horn also has a special significance for superstition, mythology and magical potency.

With so much knowledge in this field lost, Horn: Its History and Its Uses records what is known from scattered references and from speaking to the small number of horners currently working today.

The author, Adele Schaverien, has worked extensively in horn and covers the subject in greater depth than has ever been attempted before. With fascinating new research that has never been published, Horn: Its History and Its Uses traces the history of the ancient horn craft, and describes the various techniques and work practices of hornworking from medieval times to the present day. The book also explores the large range of objects made from horn and the way they were produced.

 ‘This volume will be the benchmark guide to horn and its manufacture for many years to come. Not only that, it will transform public understanding and appreciation of a long neglected field of historical material culture studies,’ says Dr. David Gaimster, General Secretary and Chief Executive, Society of Antiquaries of London.

Horn: Its History and Its Uses includes:

·          detailed explanations of how horn was worked and used

·          information on hornworkers and their lifestyles over the centuries

·          over 250 stunning images, many previously unpublished, from museum and private collections around the world.

Horn: Its History and Its Uses (to be released internationally) is a reference book for museum curators, librarians, antique dealers, those interested in the decorative and fine arts, applied arts, craftwork, collectors and re-enactment societies

 

 

About the author

Adele Schaverien is a self-taught working horner and has spent the last 16 years researching the many aspects of this ancient craft. Adele photographed and updated the collection belonging to the Worshipful Company of Horners in London, and was the archivist/keeper of the collection for 12 years until she moved to Sydney in 2003. Adele has been a regular contributor to the Plastiquarian and other journals. Adele has chosen to self-publish Horn: Its History and Its Uses. This book a labour of love, the result of passion, perseverance and determination.

For further information, or to arrange an interview, contact Adele Schaverien’s web page: www.hornhistory-uses.com.au

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                                                                                             Copyright © 2007 Adele Schaverien