- The conversations of Burne-Jones, 19th-century painter of melancholy, abstract angels, with his assistant, revealing a loveable, witty man, articulate about his world, craft and contemporaries To know his work without his talk is "not to know him" ...only when they are side by side is the common origin and aim seen and the complete man displayed.' Thus Thomas Rooke, studio assistant to Burne-Jones, who over four years memorized and...