Studio: international art (37.1906)

Otto Prutscher

talent to design their wares and allowing the
designer to supervise the execution, can do very
much to educate the people.

These are noble ideals for a young man, and
were pure harmony to exist among all concerned
it would be well, but this is hardly to be expected
in the near future. Everywhere exaggeration, both
in design and material, is to be seen—a terrible
overloading of ornament, and then a little bit more
as make-weight, resulting in a kind of indigestion
for which there does not seem to be any palpable
cure. But this charge cannot be laid at the door of
Otto Prutscher. He never sins in this respect; he

TABT.B AND CHAIR DESIGNED BY OTTO PRUTSCHER

CLOCK DESIGNED BY OTTO PRUTSCHER

EXECUTED BY N. STABLER

never exaggerates. His principles are too sound for
this; he knows in what true beauty consists and that
"a thing of beauty is a joy for ever." His familiarity,
too, with the art of other countries has exercised a
potent influence on his artistic education. Four
years ago he was awarded the Baron Albert Roth-
schild travelling scholarship and spent some time
in France and England, particularly in Paris and
in London, where he profited greatly by the know-
ledge gained. It is a pity that there are not more
travelling scholarships, seeing how necessary it is
for all connected with art to see for themselves what
lies beyond their own frontiers. Even before he
went on his travels, Otto Prutscher was invited to
exhibit at the Secession, a very great honour for so
young a man—he was then only twenty-two. The
objects he exhibited were much admired, for they
showed that he really was endowed with artistic gifts,
and all things being equal, there was nothing to fear
for his future. He has also exhibited at the Austrian
Museum and was awarded the silver medal at the
Turin Exhibition. Each time he exhibits he gives
fresh proof of his talent, and those interested in
architecture and arts and crafts will seek for further

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