Home Arts and Industries Association

the effort of a younger class; but here again the
designs were very ordinary. It is a pity to see so
much labour expended on stock patterns which,
never very good, are hackneyed by constant repeti-
tion. Among the work of the Gordon Wanderers

frame, and many other articles in carved wood,
including the settle illustrated (page 93). Another
settle from Leatherhead was pleasant and simple in
design, but its construction was not adequate, the
back being very poorly finished. Some pottery by

was an excellent chest in chip carving by J. Mansell,
pleasantly designed and, so far as casual inspection
revealed, well constructed. At Skelwith, there was
a nicely designed carved frame. The work under
the auspices of the Kent County Council was full
of interest. The William Street (London) Branch
showed enamel-work, another instance of the revival
of a charming art which deserves support. Some
clasps and other tiny objects were full of good
colour and pleasant technique.

At Mayfield a spirited copy in wood of one of
Stevens' British Museum lions, guarded a display
not otherwise remarkable.

A final look round brought to light a few other
items worth mentioning. In the Ashley section
an inlaid cabinet, and an oval table with border
adapted from the Book of Kells, both by W.
Clarke, deserves a word of praise. The Leigh con-
tributions included a pleasantly designed tryptich

Firth, if not very novel, was in good form and
harmonious colours.

As a last word to exhibitors and teachers, one
must needs reiterate the importance of the pupils
being taught to finish their work. Whether it be
metal or wood, the knowledge of construction as
well as of ornamentation should be insisted upon.
Good joinery is as honourable a pursuit as good
carving; well soldered, well riveted metal should
afford the worker legitimate pride in his work.
The unseen portions, the backs of photograph
frames, and the like, should be as well wrought as
the parts in view. All objects, whether in metal
or wood, should be firm, and constructed to with-
stand all fair usage. Utility should be the first
consideration'—a coalbox, from which it was prac-
tically impossible to extract the contents; a stand
for plates at five o'clock tea, rickety and fragile
useless easels over-laden with carving, and a few