The Studio yearbook of decorative art (1906)

Furniture

that circumstances may occur where exceptions
are not unjustifiable.

As a general rule it may be said that, while
richness and elaboration in applied ornament are
suitable enough, the structural form and outlines
of furniture can scarcely be too simple. Thus,
Mr. Gimson's writing table in walnut-wood (p. 65)
shows what excellent effect can be produced by a
combination of severe and dignified lines in an
object practically bare of ornament. The body of
the table is unembellished by a single moulding; is
supported on plain cubical legs, not carved, turned,
tapered, nor shaped in any way. And yet the
whole is a model of pleasing proportions and sound
construction. The framing of the supports con-
nected by stretchers (the middle stretcher being
set back from the front far enough not to get in
the way of the feet of anyone seated at the table),
binds the right and left portions together in a
manner that contrasts strikingly with the stock
library-table of commerce, than which nothing could
be more inconveniently fashioned. As everybody
knows, it consists of two disjointed pedestals that
retain their relative positions only by the superin-
cumbent weight of the upper portion, and if one

spinet piano designed and executed by

j. broadwood & sons, ltd.

the mere
pretext of introducing and
upright piano designed by c r. ashbee, disnlavin°- ornament

in grey oak, the executed by j. broadwood & sons, ltd. f 3 b wu

interior of holly and tiie guild of handicraft, ltd. Very often—and this is