International studio (30.1906/1907(1907))

Denver Arts and Crafts


BOOK-PLATE BY C. VALENTINE
KIRBY

out in shells and bits of glass, several candle-
shades and lanterns, an ecclesiastical reading
lamp and a variety of decorative panels made
quite an exhibit by themselves. Newcomb College,
in New Orleans, sent some of the students’ work in
embroidery, which was a revelation to all lovers of
that kind of work. Some interesting stencilling was
shown, especially that in which embroidery was
combined with it.
Many of our Western craftsmen find inspiration
in the work of the Indians, whose influence is, of
course, much closer than that of foreign countries.
Much work suggestive of theirs is now being done;
as, with all attempts at copying, much of it is very
poor and reflects discredit on some that is worthy.
However, if modern craft-workers could only realise
under what disadvantages the savages worked, their
pride alone, if nothing else, would force them to
raise the standard for their own workmanship.
Take, for example, the Indian jewellery. In work-
ing this their tools are made of the roughest kind of
material, often a discarded wagon rim, and tem-
pered by a method they will communicate to no
one.

ling that were very pleasing in
colour. Andre Koronski exhibited
brooches and necklaces that were
striking and unique. A copper
bracelet made by Hostin Nez, a
Pueblo Indian, was a splendid
example of design and workman-
ship.
The exhibition of pottery was ex-
ceptionally good. From the Van
Briggle Pottery in Colorado Springs
came an excellent collection of
work beautiful in colour and glaze,
as their work always is. Several
pieces of Mrs. Alsop-Robineau’s
were exhibited, also Rookwood, Ded-
ham, Wheatley and other makes.
Some of the best work in basketry
was sent by Mary W. Bond, whose
little ferneries made of the undyed
sweet grasses of the New England
marshes were most attractive.
One of the most interesting exhib-
its, as well as the most unusual to a
far inland part of the country, was
that of the marine mosaics sent by
W. Cole Brigham. A fire-screen,
with a design of blackberries carried


LAMP BASE BY MRS. A. G. VAN BRIGGLE
VAN BRIGGLE POTTERY SHADE BY R. PUJIURA

CXVI