Studio: international art (2.1894)

Awards in Prize Competition for a Cushion

" PLANTAGENET "

"STUDENT "

Although frankly a trade price-list, with no pre-
tence of being an illustrated essay on the House
Beautiful, as 1894 will understand the term,
Messrs. Stephens' catalogue may be fairly held to
reflect the best average of modern taste in house
furnishing. That it still inclines to quasi-Oriental
fitments, to much indiscriminate colour and bric-
a-brac is evident; and, considering how much
costlier simplicity must always be, there is little
doubt but that the present fashion has still many
years to run. If therefore one must put up with
an effect which relies on multiplicity of details
rather than on broad schemes, it is well that it
should at least be harmonious in its variety. The first
plate, a cosy corner—or a draught protector for a
doorway according to its place—shows simple
turned pillars, with arches that might be called
Mauresque, and a framework for curtains, which in
a large room would be a pleasant feature. The
next cosy divan, with a tent-like awning supported

"NUNQUAM RETRORSUM "

by bamboo spears, looks very Oriental indeed,
especially to one who has not been in the East, but
on the whole it seems hardly to accord with the
severe outlines of Western houses, although it will
probably attain extreme popularity. No faltering
praise need be accorded to the excellent materials
noted in these pages, and did modern costume
come within the scope of The Studio, the plates
of frocks and hats figured here would tempt one to
believe that the revived horrors of 1830 were non-
existent, and that comely and beautiful apparel was
to be the mode for 1894.

We have received from Messrs. Caspar, of
Holborn, samples of a new transparent paint for
glass which the makers claim remains unaffected
by sun or weather. It is easy to apply, and requires
no previous preparation. While deprecating its
use in direct imitation of stained glass, there are
many purposes for its legitimate application.

" ORCHIS "