Studio: international art (3.1894)

From Gallery, Studio, and Mart

In the present exhibition of the Society of
Lady Artists at the Egyptian Hall, a small statu-
ette in coloured wax, The Fairy Godmother,
modelled by Miss Ruth Canton, was so dainty and
charming that we are glad to be able to give a
photographic record of it. The movement and

"THE FAIRY GODMOTHER" BY RUTH CANTON

buoyancy of the figure were not less marked than
its very successful use of colour; despite the
difference in material, it recalled the Tanagra
statuettes even more than the famous wax bust at
Dresden ; which latter, oddly enough, is the sub-
ject of a "portrait" by Mr. J. S. Sargent, A.R.A.,
in the " Fair Women " collection at the Grafton
Galleries. Only a trifle, it is so well done that the
trifle at once assumes the importance of a work of

art, far more than many colossal bronzes which just
miss the peculiar quality which would justify their
being called great works in every sense.

While nearly every object in daily use has been
modified for good or for ill by art movements,
jewellery remains almost what it was thirty years
ago. It is true that commissions are sometimes
given to artists and to educated craftsmen. The
examples thus produced very seldom find their way
into the shops, and so it happens that if you wish
to buy a brooch or a bracelet you can seldom get
anything characterised by style. Surely some of
our great firms might turn their attention to the
production of what would inevitably be called art
jewellery. The fine ancient examples of the gold-
smith's art in the Birmingham Museum do not up
to the present appear to have had much influence
on local manufactures ; but it is well that they are
there, if only as an effective protest against the
existing lack of taste. It is almost certain that any
manufacturer who would supply really good designs
at reasonable prices would find this enterprise very
handsomely rewarded.

Among wall-paper manufacturers who maintain a
very high standard of excellence, Jeffrey & Co., of
Islington, are prominent This year they have pro-
duced a new raised flock paper of silk, sumptuous in
the extreme ; and for those whose taste inclines to a
certain gorgeous splendour, and whose purses can
afford it, except the finest silk brocade it replaces,
it is hard to see what could be more satisfactory.
Another paper of great technical merit, albeit not
appealing to those who believe that a certain con-
ventional presentation of Nature is alone adapted
for repeated patterns, is a frieze of natural roses in
heavy " swags," designed by W. J. Muckley. A
novel ceiling-paper in brilliant scarlet and blues, by
Sydney Vacher, and some most accomplished
designs by Lewis Day, and The Vine, by Haywood
Sumner, should be singled out for especial com-
mendation. Also two charming diaper patterns
by Walter Crane, Summer Chiniz and Seed and
Flower, the latter being produced in colour, and
as a stamped leather paper. A delightful two-
colour paper, designed by C. Voysey, The Bombay,
is also made in printed cretonne to match.

Among other novelties at the same show-room, a
portiere in stamped leather, which has been ex-
hibited at Chicago, is a superb specimen of the
work. The Peacock Garden, by Walter Crane, has
been used for the design, which is in metallic
colours, like fine Japanese lacquer.

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