DOI issue:
No. 365 (August 1923)
DOI article:Exhibition of students' work at the L.C.C. Central School
DOI Page / Citation link: https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.21398#0102
L.C.C. CENTRAL SCHOOL
SAMPLER BY K. H. MAGGS
(L.C.C. Central.^School of
Arts and Crafts)
place they occupy in the domestic decora-
tions of middle-class houses, one feels that
here is a branch of applied art of very great
importance, and one moreover that should
offer a promising field for a young designer
of ability. It is only necessary to glance in
the windows of the average suburban
draper or furnisher with their depressing
display of mediocre productions to realise
the urgent need for some creative and
intelligent influence. Unfortunately it can-
not be said that the students' work referred
to promises much help in this direction.
With few exceptions the designs are devoid
of any real character or inspiration, being,
for the most part, mere uninteresting
variations of a common type. One wonders
what influence has so completely succeeded
in suppressing any manifestation of the
individual mind or personal vision, which
should surely be encouraged to seek ex-
pression. The colouring, moreover, of these
82
drawings lacks inspiration and is far below
the level attained by the trade, who, in
this respect can justly claim to have
progressed. a a a a a
With regard to furniture there are not
many pieces shown and these, generally
speaking, are commonplace. One recalls a
neat, attractive little chest which, however,
proves to have been designed by Mr.
Spooner, and cannot, therefore, be placed
to the credit of a student. A few other pieces
were satisfactory in a way, but negative in
character. a a a 0 a
In too many cases utterly commonplace
and hackneyed designs, perpetuating in
every detail wearisome devices of the trade
at its worst, impressed one with a sense of
hopelessness. Surely, in these times, when
the regrettable tendency of manufacturers
and public alike is to keep strictly to well-
defined and authentic models it would help
matters if the student were encouraged to
explore fresh possibilities instead of accept-
ing the work of the past as the final word in
DESIGN IN RED FOR CHINTZ
BY W. ROTHENSTEIN, JNR.
(L.C.C. Central School of Arts
and Crafts)
SAMPLER BY K. H. MAGGS
(L.C.C. Central.^School of
Arts and Crafts)
place they occupy in the domestic decora-
tions of middle-class houses, one feels that
here is a branch of applied art of very great
importance, and one moreover that should
offer a promising field for a young designer
of ability. It is only necessary to glance in
the windows of the average suburban
draper or furnisher with their depressing
display of mediocre productions to realise
the urgent need for some creative and
intelligent influence. Unfortunately it can-
not be said that the students' work referred
to promises much help in this direction.
With few exceptions the designs are devoid
of any real character or inspiration, being,
for the most part, mere uninteresting
variations of a common type. One wonders
what influence has so completely succeeded
in suppressing any manifestation of the
individual mind or personal vision, which
should surely be encouraged to seek ex-
pression. The colouring, moreover, of these
82
drawings lacks inspiration and is far below
the level attained by the trade, who, in
this respect can justly claim to have
progressed. a a a a a
With regard to furniture there are not
many pieces shown and these, generally
speaking, are commonplace. One recalls a
neat, attractive little chest which, however,
proves to have been designed by Mr.
Spooner, and cannot, therefore, be placed
to the credit of a student. A few other pieces
were satisfactory in a way, but negative in
character. a a a 0 a
In too many cases utterly commonplace
and hackneyed designs, perpetuating in
every detail wearisome devices of the trade
at its worst, impressed one with a sense of
hopelessness. Surely, in these times, when
the regrettable tendency of manufacturers
and public alike is to keep strictly to well-
defined and authentic models it would help
matters if the student were encouraged to
explore fresh possibilities instead of accept-
ing the work of the past as the final word in
DESIGN IN RED FOR CHINTZ
BY W. ROTHENSTEIN, JNR.
(L.C.C. Central School of Arts
and Crafts)