International studio (14.1901)

The Glasgow Exhibition

producing a series of effects on the eye and mind
of the spectator upon which he may well be
congratulated. The peristyle enclosing a forecourt
open to the sky is a charming feature, especially
when seen under bright sunshine, with its attendant
play of light and shade. In the grounds are
erections innumerable, as varied in colour as in
structure, some of them pretentious, others merely
pretty, nearly all of them striking, and a few
piquantly grotesque. The Concert Hall, a spacious
rotunda with umbrella shaped roof, is well arranged
so far as accommodation is concerned; but the
entrance facade does not seem to have received
the careful attention it deserved, and the not
altogether harmonious blending in the various
styles adopted for the sake of variety and
picturesque effect is open to criticism. In the
East Gardens are the four splendid pavilions

erected by the Russian Government. These quaint
and picturesque buildings are characteristically
decorated in harmony with the striking and effec-
tive general design, and the Russian artists have
produced brilliant contrasts in colouring which are
as novel as they are effective. The style of archi-
tecture is Russian Renaissance of the 17th century,
and although the buildings are not representative of
modern Russian architecture, they embrace the lead-
ing characteristics of structures whose style was com-
mon to the whole north of Europe. One of its main
features is the great importance given to the roofs
and the great variety of skyline. The buildings
break out into pinnacles, spirelets, gablets, and
towers of all kinds and shapes, and here and there
the roof line is further broken up by carved dragons,
clusters of spears, and flamboyant ornaments As
an illustration of what can be done in the way of
wood construction, the
pavilions are a monument
to architectural skill and
clever craftsmanship. The
decorations are in har-
mony with the unique
style of construction.
Colours of lurid and con-
trasting hues have been
lavishly employed with
highly successful results.
In addition to the pre-
vailing colours of red,
blue, and green, there are
large expanses of gilding
and silvering, and every-
where the double-headed
eagle of the Slav Empire
meets the eye.

Of the other buildings
subsidiary to the main In-
dustrial Hall, few call for
special remark. The Van
Houten Cocoa Pavilion,
built in Old English style,
is especially noteworthy
from the evident care with
which its details have
been worked out; and
the substantial kiosk
erected by the General
Accident Insurance Com-
pany is of charming and
appropriate design, freely
treated in harmony with its
construction. Generally