International studio (21.1903/1904(1904))

A GLASGOW DESIGNER: THE
/\ FURNITURE OF MR. GEORGE
\ LOGAN.
IN our own country, whilst there is not yet to be
observed any sure indication of the genesis of a
living national art which can be pronounced
without hesitation to be the exclusive and typical
product of the age, yet signs are plentiful of an
awakening of public interest in the attempt to
make our houses beautiful with the subtle qualities
of proportion, and the absence of mere Ornament,
that marked the best periods of design. Sanguine
believers in the possibilities of the movement
hope that this may be the germ of the coming
Revival, which those who study the evolution
of taste agree is not far distant in point of
time. Hut none can foresee whither this stirring
tendency may lead ; whether, indeed, it be destined
to have any prolonged organic existence at all, or
whether it be doomed instead to perish in Order to
make way for an art of the future that has yet to be
born. Certainly the improvement in public taste
and the growth of a demand which will oblige the
workers to study more closely the laws of decoration
cannot fail to improve the character of their art,
and to give it eventually a higher value and
signihcance. A steadily increasing section of the
public is beginning to recognise that pictorial art is

not the only legitimate adornment of a modern
house, and the result is a partial transference of
patronage from the picture painter, to whom
formerly it was given almost exclusively, to the
decorator and designer, whose Claims on people
with artistic tastes are gaining daily a wider and
more practical recognition. In every way this
change is to be welcomed. It restores to its right
place a form of art which in bygone centuries was
thought worthy to engage the attention of the great
masters, and to afford noble opportunities to men
of splendid ability. It opens up for the modern
worker possibilities of profitable occupation, and
multiplies the number of openings for Professional
activity.
That even a few manufacturers have recognised
a change in the public taste, and are doing what
they can to foster and encourage it by the employ-
ment of good designers, is one of the most con-
vincing evidences of vitality in the new movement.
At present the number of Hrms who have set
themselVes to satisfy the new condition is strictly
limited, but here and there we find evidences
of more correct appreciation, signs that the
Position of affairs is read aright, and that its
necessities are properly and practically understood.
On the other hand, much of the furniture produced
is merely imitative, or, if infused with a newer
feeling, too evidently manufactured of deliberate


DtNtNG ROOM IX GREEK OAK

DEStGKED BY GEORGE LOGAX FOR MESSRS. WYHE & LOCHHEAt)

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