International studio (80.1925)

inceRHACionAL

Eastlake. We are also striving to be free from the There is no doubt that we are in the full swing

tyranny of the machine and, while there is a of a new period of design in architecture. A

definite dishonesty in advertising and counterfeit- renaissance in the sense that there is a rebirth of

ing in design by dealers and manufacturers who historic phases of design but with a new applica-

take a few superficial characteristics and name tion. For once it is an era that cannot be named

them "Queen Anne" or "Hepplewhite," never- for English or French royalty. It belongs to our

theless there is a sincere searching for the truth own beloved land. If the present rulers of England

and a more detailed study of the conventions of have any influence on the spirit of design in their

pure design in furniture and architecture than country it is evident, from their dress and such

ever before. To be things as the doll's

sure, there are quanti-
ties of commercial fur-
niture made and sold
that, for monstrosity
of proportion and mix-
ture of ornament, put
to shame the most
glorious concoctions of
the Victorian era. The
following is taken from
a recent advertise-
ment describing a
piece of extraordinary
proportions and mix-
ture of design: Com-
manding in its propor-
tions, stimulating in
the freshness of its de-
sign. A discreet blend-
ing of Italian and Eng-
lish Renaissance mo-
tifs, in French walnut,

house made for Prin-
cess Mary, that it is
one of clinging to
things of the recent
industrial era rather
than any new vision
of vitality and beauty.
The infant Lascelles
and his mother are
pictured in a brass
bed, while we are ran-
sacking England. and
the Continent, as well
as our New England
and Southern attics,
for historic forms in
furniture to school
ourselves in things
that were the product
of times when imag-
ination and beauty of
lines were paramount.

with rich redwood over- American bureau and mirror of the early part of the To turn the pages

WUU IIC1J ICUWVUU, VLLI third period. the wood knobs have replaced the r f . . 6

lav effect, with our fa- metal pulls of the period, the wood is curly maple 0 one ot our architec-
mmis Cnrsiran finish stained with Indian red. the mirror is of mahogany tural magazines is an
rnuus ^orsnun juutu, with gilt eagle and flame of freedom design, both • • ■ t
the final touch of dis- present ideas for furniture of today inspiration. In Ur-

tinction. bana, Illinois, a Ii-

Unfortunately for brary of purest Geor-

those who wish to furnish a home at moderate cost gian character by Charles Piatt; in Buffalo a
and yet with regard to genuineness of tradition, stately residence of the same style by the same
there is not much furniture available that has hand. In Knoxville, Tennessee, by Barber and
been designed along those simple, primitive forms McMurry, a graceful villa-like house, full of the
which lend themselves to low price. Most of the spirit of sunlight and repose, with slender columns
inexpensive modern furniture is a cheapened ver- and pure arches that speak of Florence, and yet
sion of something that was in its original form completely accliminated to its own surroundings,
costly to build and, therefore, still more expensive There is an obligation resting on the makers
today if reproduced with fidelity to the style. The of furniture for our American homes and institu-
architects are far ahead in integrity of design. In tions to do more than copy in a slavish manner
California they start with a primitive adobe some old pieces or put out weird agglomerations
dwelling of the natives and find in it a wealth of under high-sounding names. We need the

same

auaint and inter- sincere study in furniture design that the archi-

inspiration for delightful house^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ profession> and from thc

esting, at modest cost. On o ^ ^ background of knowledge will spring a new devel-

farm house furnishes the '"^^ ^ comrort and opment in furniture that is as quaint, as charming,

modern house that is the las ^ guch p;eces as dignified, as well proportioned, as the houses

a fitting place for old lurm ur that our peopie are building for their habitation,
as have the ear marks of good breeding.

march 1925

Jour

seventy-seven