Studio: international art (35.1905)

Studio-Talk

The embroidery designs are not of much distinc-
tion generally, but there is a decorative panel by
Kate Button (Clevedon) that should be noted for
the conscientious finish of the preparatory work
and the genuine feeling for colour and detail which
pervades the design. The embroidered banner
designed by Frances H. E. Sanderson (Birmingham)
is a happy example of the improvement of a design
in course of execution; the
work as carried out by the
Wantage Sisters more than
fulfilling the promise of the
working drawing. One of
the most practical and suc-
cessful specimens of applied
design in needlework is the
dainty little group of embroi-
dered collars by Ida M. Dight
(Camberwell). Among the
lace, a curtain design by
William H. Pegg (Notting-
ham) adorns that much-
abused subject, the lace
curtain, in an interesting and
dignified way. The quaint
little cut-work designs by Paul
33°

Arndt (Battersea) are quite original in invention
and treatment, and the working drawings of the
details are admirably done. Two unpretentious
but very tasteful designs for damask are by George
Harris (Leyton) and Edith Andrews (Worcester).

In conclusion, we must again protest against the
custom of the authorities at South Kensington in
stamping the designs with a very commonplace
impressed stamp, which, in many cases, spoils not
a little the effect of the drawing. If it is necessary
to use a stamp at all, surely some better method of
its employment might be devised. E. W.

STUDIO-TALK

(From our owti Correspondents)

LONDON.—The public interest which has
recently been aroused in the matter of
cheap country cottages, is more probably
due to the demand which exists for
what are generally known as “ week-end ” cottages
than to a desire to aid the owners of country
estates in the economic working of their properties.
The requirements of the agricultural labourer and
his family are in many respects at variance with
those of the city man who seeks a small country
retreat where he may practise a hobby for
gardening, or otherwise peacefully spend his leisure
hours. The labourer must not only be suitably and
sanitarily housed, but he must be substantially housed.
The light structures made of cheap materials,
decked out with a few red tiles and a plethora of
white paint, are not at all the sort of buildings that
a wise owner who looks to the economic working
of his estate would be inclined to invest in. He
has to consider not only the original cost of his
cottages, but also the annual expense to him of their

DESIGN FOR BOX IN TOOLED LEATHER BY SARAH A. PLANT

(WOLVERHAMPTON)