International studio (26.1905)

The exhibition illustrated
the fact that independent
thinkers are few, that in-
dividual observation is
generally conhned to a too
limited area — one could
with little difficulty trace
the influences of most of the
exhibits: not that this can
be altogether counted as a
reproach, as there is much
credit due that the influ-
ences chosen were gene-
rally from worthy sources.
With time and further effort
no doubt many of the de-
signers will develop more
independence, and allow
their individuality to assert
itself.

not good of its kind. It is recognition of use-
fulness that produces the restraint that is so
lacking. _
Research of modern work from illustration was
too evident, but outside this one was impressed and
encouraged by many of the healthy efforts and
the real delight which one read from many of the
works in the exhibition.

It was regrettable that so many of the ex-
hibits went to make and confirm the erroneous
popular opinion that beauty and artistry means
ornament. Too many reflected the controlling
desire of the workers to produce pattern in
some form or another at all cost, thus misleading

Though most of the ex-
hibits were intended to serve
some useful purpose, it is
seldom the utilitarian ele-
ment makes the strongest
appeal: one is constantly
overpowered by the orna-
ment of the thing, often
misapplied and very often

" THE BROOK THROUGH THE WOOD " f-S^ ZM/3'73 BY J. B. COROT
75

ing after new methods and experiments in all kinds
of material. His jewellery, in which horn forms a
large part, is particularly successful. There is so
much originality, fancy, and imagination in the
work that we shall watch with interest the progress
of this new jeweller. G. Li.. M.

1^ fT ANCHESTER.—The exhibition of the
< % / H Clarion Guild, held in Manchester,
! V H was interesting as showing the tenden-
cies of thought and design amongst the
younger generation of designers, and it also served
the purposes of comparison. Though some of the
work was crude in execution and affected and
strained in design, yet, compared with what was done
in the same direction twenty years ago, there is
undoubtedly a great ad-
vance—in some directions
more than in others, but
still an advance all round.
There is evidence that pre-
sent efforts are more serious
and sincere.