Franz Mayer of Munich
Architecture, Glass, Art – Mayer'sche Hofkunstanstalt

Franz Mayer of Munich is one of the world’s foremost studios for mosaics and stained glass. Founded in 1847, it is dedicated to the restoration of historic works, as well as the execution of contemporary projects for artists and architecture from around the world. It is justly known for its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality.

Franz Mayer of Munich provides an overview of the company’s long history, from its genesis as an arts manufacturer to the establishment of a stained-glass department in 1860, and the rapid growth and expansion that followed, with branches in London and New York. In 1925, a mosaic department was added, which led the company to develop new expertise and enabled more ambitious rebuilds and restorations. The complicated thermo-insulated glass technique was perfected here to preserve medieval and stained glass for future generations. In addition to the company’s history, accompanying essays and photographs provide an insight into Franz Mayer of Munich today, and document the development and realisation of contemporary projects. This book is an introduction to a company whose work is seen in public spaces all over the world.

With a foreword by Brian Clake how contemporary stained glass meets contemporary needs and how history binds modern knowledge to use stained glass as a medium in modern buildings. Mayer’sche Hofkunstanstalt or Franz Mayer of Munich is such a place where with this 5 generation old studio they develop the latest techniques with the artists’ new ways. Bernard Graf describes the history of the firm and one will recognize many of the works realized in stained glass and glass mosaics.
Then a vast collection of projects is described with two or more pages, with very good photos on the architecture, interior, process of making and studio photos with the artists and their work. Like Georg Baselitz, Alexander Beleschenko, Daniel Buren, Herzog & de Meuron, Robert Mangold, Frei and Bettina Otto, Kiki Smith, Brain Clarck and may more.
Followed by the chapter Documentation one finds even more projects with photos, place and artists’ names, then in the Chapter Studio, process and techniques with the different workshops in the factory building and several techniques are explained like kiln casting, silk screening, staining, leading, float glass painting and glass mosaics. The book closes with the Editor’s Epilogue by Gabriel Mayer.
What a well-made book! A book all students have to read first before they start working with stained glass, a book to be read by commissioners to see modern solutions and the need of good artists and studios to work side by side to realize timeless work. And a book for all interested in glass in architecture.

Edited by Gabriel Mayer
Essays by Brian Clarke, Bernhard G. Graf, Martin Harrison und Gottfried Knapp; 358 pages with 643 colour plates and illustrations; 24 × 30 cm, hardcover, released 2013
ISBN: 978-3-7774-5251-7
EUR49.90 [DE] | SFR64.30 [CH]
GERMAN EDITION:
Mayer'sche Hofkunstanstalt

HIRMER VERLAG
www.hirmerverlag.de