International studio (19.1903)

stems of wineglasses serving sometimes to suggest
those of Howers, and the siiver mounts of jugs
and Hasks affording legitimate points of ornament,
but it is rightiy in the forms themseives that beauty
is chiefiy sought for. Even the inevitable " coro-
nation cup " becomes endurabie in Mr. Powell's
skiiful hands, and the piainest tabie wares are
entireiy satisfying to the eye and hand. Visitors
to the exhibition wili find much to interest and
instruct them in Messrs. Poweii's exhibit.
The printed books, bindings and iiiustrations,
manuscripts and iiiuminations will be dealt with
fully in a future number of THE STUDio. Suffice
it to say here that they are rich in interest and
merit, though not without blemishes that might
have been easily remedied, such as in the pages
from Dante's printed, with notes, by the

DECANTER DESIGNED HY H. J. FOWELL
EXHIBITED BY J. POWELL
AND SONS

Turning from architectural glass to that of
household utility, we recognise in Mr. H. J.
Powellasgenuineanartistin table-glass as Mr.
Fisher is in metals. The wonderful daintiness
and distinction of his work well deserve a
leading place in the exhibition. When we
recall the heavy and uninspiring cut-glass
vessels which were part of the ideal of a well-
loaded table fifty years ago, the change of taste
in this matter alone is cause for encouragement.
Here at least meaningless ornament has been
stripped off and simple forms made efhcient and
beautiful, with room for poetry and imagination
to play in them, and above ail for the frank and
natural use of light and colour. T he decora-
tion is slight, but of the choicest kind; the

GLASS

DESIGNED BY H. J. POWELL
EXHIBITED BY J. POWELL AND SONS
125