Studio: international art (87.1924)

BIRMINGHAM

Birmingham. — The exhibition of

work by students of the Municipal
School of Arts and Crafts, shown in the City
Art Gallery, contains much that is fresh and
progressive. While there are few specially
outstanding things, the general level of the
work, and the wide range of practical
effort on the part of the younger students,
bear witness to the vitalising influence of
Mr. B. J. Fletcher on the School, and give
hope of still better things to come. 0
The Architectural School is well repre-
sented, a wall being filled with typical
examples of the course of study followed ;
but it is a pity that more information is
not given as to the nature and aims of
most of the other work shown — an
omission which must occasion some be-
wilderment to the general visitor, 0 0

There are some good searching studies
of heads by T. C. Smith, Joan Ayling and
M. A. Brewerton, also some wood blocks
in colour, amongst which a study of a cock

“ GOAT AND KID ” (STONE). BY R. A. LEWIS
(Birmingham Municipal School of Arts and Crafts)

by Miss Joyce Francis, and children in a
conservatory, by Miss Grove, are striking,
and show good use of the process. a

In the modelling section there is some
excellent work shown, especially in stone
carving, a good example of which is the
relief of a Goat and Kid, by R. A. Lewis,
full of life and happy in its treatment. 0
Important sections of the School are de-
voted to printing and lithography for trade
purposes, and to house-painting and decora-
tion, and a considerable space is occupied
by interesting examples of these crafts. 0
There is a well-executed chalice in silver
and gold, with turquoise settings, the work
of H. W. Greatorex, and the silver coffee
pot by S. Tilsley and entree dishes by
Walter Rock and M. E. Davies are dis-
tinguished by their sound craftsmanship.

Printing and lettering are a strong point
in the School. The Elementary School
Leaving Certificates indicate possibilities
of beautifying official documents. M. B. B.

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