I have often wondered whether the medieval knights would have made use
of transparent elements or mirror elements had they had suitable
materials. After all police riot shields are often transparent and a
mirror could be a great distraction on a jousting field. Having
elements of both alongside the usual pallet might not have been
rejected if it produced some aesthetically pleasing and recognisable
design. If so, why not let it develop in the modern world.
I am sure an inventive heraldic artist could even produce a velum
patent with transparent and mirrored elements.
However, with a fair proportion of modern heraldic use becoming
computer based and 'virtual' with the possibilities also of
hologrammes, we should be tollerant of innovation
The BBC had its arms displayed innovatively with a translucent virtual
shield for years on its news programmes but apparently consider it now
passé and have dropped it, but the passé is perhaps what heraldry is
about?
However, I shall probably stick with the old, for now at least, unless
someone can come up with a nice file showing my escutcheons rotating
like the Open University.
Derek Howard