contemporary techniques in architectural glass - International ...

International
Context
34
on several major commissions with an individual project manager for each one. Derix is a fifth
generation business with the next generation also very much involved.
They maintain a very strong family atmosphere. Wilhelm Derix is the current director and two
of his daughters work for the company.
As well as providing accommodation, Wilhelm and wife, Brigette, invite all of their guests to
lunch in their house every day. In this way they keep in touch with what is happening and
forge ongoing friendships and working relationships. It is a great opportunity for everyone to
exchange ideas and discuss projects.
On their first day at the studio Sando and Taylor were escorted on a tour of significant works.
These included installations by Karl Heinz Traut, Lutz Haufschild, Graham Jones, Ludwig
Schaffrath, Jochem Poensgen, Johannes Schreiter, Joachim Klos and John Clark.
There is a remarkable abundance of architectural glass art in the area, including many
commissions by overseas artists. This is partly due to funding for the arts. A proportion
of the Government tax revenue goes to the churches which explains why there is such a
wealth of excellent ecclesiastical art, in particular glass.
Derix Studio
Most of the study time at Derix was spent in the studio observing techniques and talking to
visiting artists. Several prominent artists called in to supervise their window fabrications.