44 C O N T E X T 1 3 7 : N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4 of Devon, Somerset and Cornwall (a personal and partisan favourite of mine), followed by an exploration of the flax and hemp industries of Dorset, and an overview of the region’s silk, lace, hosiery and cotton industries. Although each chapter has an individual structure, all set out a geographical picture of each sub-area, again heralded by an excellent map showing the distribution of sites in relation to topography and the essential river systems, describe the key centres, the processes, the range of building types and their chronology, and go on to cover specific mill sites. Each of the chapters concludes with a consideration on the significance of the building stock within each subarea.This is very helpful in relation to the understanding of the locale itself, but also a prime for chapter 8, which considers the legacy and significance of the south-west textile industry as a whole. This part of the book serves to underline its value as a practical companion to be applied to the management of the region’s diverse and hugely significant historic building resource. Any doubts as to its applicability in this respect are dispelled by the inclusion of a list and brief description of sites mentioned (including grid references and an indication of their accessibility), and an extensive glossary. The illustrations include an abundance of excellent photographs, vibrant reproductions of historic visual sources, historic technical drawings, drawn architectural plans and sections, annotated block plans of specific sites and beautiful technical axonometric renderings of elements of structure and machinery. Collectively these inform and illuminate the text and demonstrate the wealth and diversity of the textile heritage resource in the south west. This work is a masterful achievement, both learned and practical; a must-have for anyone with an interest in this fascinating topic. David Morgan, senior inspector trainer, Planning Inspectorate New possibilities Early Structural Steel in London Buildings: a discreet revolution Jonathan Clarke, English Heritage, 2014, 408 pages, 357 colour and black & white illustrations, ISBN 978 1 848021 03 7, £75 Much has been written about the revolutionary introduction of iron framing during the period 1750–1850. The early use of structural iron is generally associated with bridges and industrial buildings such as textile mills and warehouses, with gradual and increasing use in other building types.The evolution from iron to steel is often perceived as being the simple improvement of material performance. As its title suggests, Jonathan Clarke’s important study reveals that the volume development of structural steel between 1880 and 1910 was itself revolutionary, leading to full skeletal construction, and new possibilities in the size and configuration of spaces, the design of building envelopes, construction techniques and architectural expression. The book is set out in two parts. Part 1 establishes the context by examining developments in steel production, the precedents set by iron, the considerable influences of European and American production and use, and the response of the architectural and engineering professions and legislative agencies to both problems and opportunities. Part 2 examines the impact of this new technology on key London building types, including theatres, clubs and hotels, department stores, offices, industrial and community buildings. Jonathan Clarke explains how structural steel frames offered unencumbered space on multiple levels, flexibility of plan by the avoidance of loadbearing walls, and increases in daylighting through new freedoms in the size and spacing of fenestration. Changes to specific building types were manifest. In theatres steel-cantilevered balconies offered deep seating tiers with unobstructed views. Assembly spaces in hotels and institutional buildings were now achievable on a grander scale, while steel offered affordable longspan structures in buildings ranging from swimming pools, sports halls and churches to engineering workshops and power stations.This book reveals the great buildings which were completed in the 30-or-so years before the first world war in a new light, at the same time providing a fascinating insight into the influence of technological change on design and construction. The 14 chapters can be considered as a series of interwoven essays rather than a single narrative.The range, quality and extent of building types and supporting documentation available for London, and the scale of development in the capital, make the geographical focus of the book understandable. The insights which the book provides can be readily applied elsewhere. The detailed and yet very readable text is supported by over 350 excellent illustrations in black and white and colour.This valuable book fills an important gap in our understanding of Victorian and Edwardian design and construction. It will be of great use to architects, engineers and surveyors involved in the refurbishment and reuse of historic buildings, and to all those with an interest in the history of engineering, architecture and construction. Ken Moth, accredited conservation architect Proud traditions Built to Brew: the history and heritage of the brewery Lynn Pearson, English Heritage, 2014, paperback, 264 pages, 326 illustrations, ISBN 978 1 848022 38-6, £25 (discounted price £20 from direct.orders@marston.co.uk) Until quite recently local breweries were landmarks in many English towns and cities, and beer was an important aspect of local distinctiveness.This book charts the growth and decline of the brewery producing beer for a string of local and
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