DOI issue:
No. 41 (August, 1896)
DOI article:Studio-talk
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.17297#0187
Studio- Talk
which inspire decorative art, Indeed it would seem
that "ugliness is next to decoration," was their motto.
The really beautiful panel by H. Granville Fell we
are permitted to reproduce herewith, is part of the
permanent decoration of a music-room in a house
at Bournemouth. Those who know the chromatic
atmosphere in which Mr. Fell loves to envelop his
pictures, will realise that it loses much by transla-
tion to " black and white." But the block is really
a marvel of process work; the orange and yellow
which suffused the original are as faithfully trans-
lated in tone as if they had not been shades of the
one colour which was a terror to photographers in the
past. The picture itself is designed to harmonise
with the definite colour scheme of a particular
room, and succeeds most admirably in keeping its
place, without unduly asserting itself. If Mr. H.
Granville Fell can withstand the most insidious
disease that besets a painter—early and widespread
approval, there is nothing he may not do; but the
premature fame so freely bestowed to-day is the
worst enemy an artist has to face, and as dozens
of examples prove, one which very few are proof
against.
The Art Embroidery Show Rooms, 25 Old
Bond Street, are devoted to specimens of admir-
ably wrought needlework, all employing "flax" in
lieu of silk or crewels. Good taste distinguishes
ELECTRIC LIGHT BRACKET, FIXED IN BOW LANE
I70
the work throughout. The colouring is harmonious
and original, the stitches employed are bold, and
the designs freely and pleasantly interpreted. One
could wish that they were not almost entirely
copies, or re-arrangements of old motives ; even
when they forsake precedent they are merely well-
ELECTRIC LIGHT BRACKET, FIXED IN FRIDAY STREET
conventionalised floral patterns—good, but lacking
distinctly individual treatment. The so-called art
linens are most satisfactory textiles in a wide range
of beautiful colours, and the palette of the flax
threads is liberal enough for all purposes. The
influence of a really original designer would leave
nothing more to be desired. It is just because
material, craft, and good taste in adaptation are
already evident, that one hopes the final quality,
of originality in patterns, may be introduced to
perfect the scheme.
The various brackets illustrated here were noticed
in The Studio when reference was made to some
experiments in electric lighting made by the Com-
missioners of Sewers, in Watling Street and its
adjacent bye-ways. The artists responsible prefer
that the criticism bestowed should not be prejudiced
by any personal bias for or against; so the designs
must be regarded on their own merits without
betraying the names of those who made them. But
which inspire decorative art, Indeed it would seem
that "ugliness is next to decoration," was their motto.
The really beautiful panel by H. Granville Fell we
are permitted to reproduce herewith, is part of the
permanent decoration of a music-room in a house
at Bournemouth. Those who know the chromatic
atmosphere in which Mr. Fell loves to envelop his
pictures, will realise that it loses much by transla-
tion to " black and white." But the block is really
a marvel of process work; the orange and yellow
which suffused the original are as faithfully trans-
lated in tone as if they had not been shades of the
one colour which was a terror to photographers in the
past. The picture itself is designed to harmonise
with the definite colour scheme of a particular
room, and succeeds most admirably in keeping its
place, without unduly asserting itself. If Mr. H.
Granville Fell can withstand the most insidious
disease that besets a painter—early and widespread
approval, there is nothing he may not do; but the
premature fame so freely bestowed to-day is the
worst enemy an artist has to face, and as dozens
of examples prove, one which very few are proof
against.
The Art Embroidery Show Rooms, 25 Old
Bond Street, are devoted to specimens of admir-
ably wrought needlework, all employing "flax" in
lieu of silk or crewels. Good taste distinguishes
ELECTRIC LIGHT BRACKET, FIXED IN BOW LANE
I70
the work throughout. The colouring is harmonious
and original, the stitches employed are bold, and
the designs freely and pleasantly interpreted. One
could wish that they were not almost entirely
copies, or re-arrangements of old motives ; even
when they forsake precedent they are merely well-
ELECTRIC LIGHT BRACKET, FIXED IN FRIDAY STREET
conventionalised floral patterns—good, but lacking
distinctly individual treatment. The so-called art
linens are most satisfactory textiles in a wide range
of beautiful colours, and the palette of the flax
threads is liberal enough for all purposes. The
influence of a really original designer would leave
nothing more to be desired. It is just because
material, craft, and good taste in adaptation are
already evident, that one hopes the final quality,
of originality in patterns, may be introduced to
perfect the scheme.
The various brackets illustrated here were noticed
in The Studio when reference was made to some
experiments in electric lighting made by the Com-
missioners of Sewers, in Watling Street and its
adjacent bye-ways. The artists responsible prefer
that the criticism bestowed should not be prejudiced
by any personal bias for or against; so the designs
must be regarded on their own merits without
betraying the names of those who made them. But