Hi Doug, Elizabeth et al,
Yes, the James Fox programme on the English Renaissance was interesting -
though not absolutely correct with its facts. When describing Nicholas
Kratzer's contribution to dialling, it was actually misleading and tended to
perpetuate the myth that Kratzer introduced dialling to England (rather than
just popularising it).
Kratzer wasn't "brought to Britain" by Henry VIII to look after his clocks. He
came first to work for Sir Thomas More, quite possibly after an introduction by
their common contact Erasmus. He then went to work for Cardinal Wolsey at
Oxford and then to Henry. Our Nicholas was quick to smell the way that the
political wind was blowing and work his way up the tree!
Kratzer was not an inventive dialler and his grasp of dialling (gained from
copying out manuscripts - already 'old' - in a Bavarian monastery) was shaky.
The late Peter Drinkwater (one of the few proper diallists to study Kratzer's
notebooks in the Bodeian) was fairly dismissive of his abilities.
Fox's demonstration of the operation of the Kratzer portable dial in the Oxford
MHS using a torch was also misleading - it made it look as though the sloping
edges of the gnomons were polar-oriented, which they aren't.
The next episode in the series will include a visit to Sir Thomas Tresham's
famous Triangular Lodge, with all its crazy Catholic symbolism. Look out for
the three sundials, the one on the north face with a gnomon repositioned
upside-down. [English Heritage, who look after the building, were told many
years ago but took no notice.]
So, enjoy the series by all means but remember the Royal Society's motto of
Nullius in verba!
Regards,
John
-----------------------------------
Dr J Davis
Flowton Dials http://www.flowton-dials.co.uk/
BSS Editor http://www.sundialsoc.org.uk/bulletin.php
________________________________
From: Douglas Bateman <douglas.bate...@btinternet.com>
To: Sundial list <sundial@uni-koeln.de>
Sent: Friday, 21 March 2014, 22:06
Subject: British Renaissance and sundials
I have just seen an excellent BBC programme called A Very British Renaissance.
The presenter, Dr James Fox, included the painting by Holbein - The
Ambassadors, and gave full credit to Nicholas Kratzner with the presenter
handling Kratzner's personal polyhedral dial. He also conducted an interview
with one of our top dial makers, Joanna Migdal, in her studio.
I gather not all will be able to see the BBC iPlayer, but worth a try. Perhaps
some clever member could extract the relevant section of the programme.
Best wishes, Doug
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