Seeking Trip Advise

[Robare M. Novou]

Greetings Fellow Letterheads....

I have been asked to help a friend move to New York City.

And I figured as long as I am there, I would do some site seeing.

I would like to limit the Site Seeing to Sign Related Matters.

So I ask of you all what is there to see and do in New York City when it comes to those concerns.

Suggestions Greatly Appreciated!

RMN

[BruceJackson]

Hi Robare,

I have never been there myself, but I have a list of things I would want to do.

First would be the MET. To see the work of Jean Dupas. He did the huge art deco glass murals that were on the cruise ship "Normandie".

But the absolute "must do", is a nearby trip to the Corning Museum of glass. You will find some extraordinary examples of historic examples of our art, as well as visit the Rakow library. It has the most extensive collection of literature to do with glass, and you can find lots of info on painting and gilding of glass. Going all the way back to Roman era glass, through European history, up to modern day. Search for terms such as "verre églomisé", zwischengoldglass, "reverse painting", "reverse gilding".

While you're there, grab a copy of "Reverse paintings on glass: The Ryser Collection", which featured at the Corning several years ago and is a beautiful book showing this amazing collection. In fact you can buy it online, and I'd encourage anyone to get it.

I've been wanting to spend a few days studying in that library for years, but it always seems a dream that is just out of reach.

[Dan Seese]

Robare,

I currently have 2 sons living in NYC and I’m due for a visit. I hope you'll fall in love with the city as I've done.

An absolute MUST SEE is the Rockefeller Center. I could spend days wandering around the several buildings located within the few square blocks of that project. Not only the glass work – carved, gilded, architectural slumped glass, etc. – but the murals, sculptures, bas-relief, terra cotta, fixtures, layout, everything about the place is an opulent pinnacle of Art Deco style. Located in mid-town Manhattan it is a central fixture in the city and will not disappoint. I'll attach a few of the photos I took in 2006. Also, if you like Art Deco, don’t miss the Empire State Building, the Channin Building and the Chrysler Building.

China Town has gold leaf on the windows everywhere but by and large, in NYC, apart from the excellent work done at the art deco buildings, I was quite disappointed in most of the window gilding I saw. For the most part it seemed to be executed rather sloppily and without much imagination.

I’ll take note of Bruce's recommendation to see the Corning Museum as I plan to go for a visit sometime this year. With you, I'll take any recommendations. Share some photos when you return if you think of it.