Art
[SECOND ANNUAL DECORATIVE AND INDUSTRIAL ART EXHIBITION', CENTRAL HALL, WESTMINSTER, S.W. 1.]
Tim impression with which this very well-planned little Exhibition left me was one of regret that the undoubted talents of so many of the exhibitors should not be more care- fully directed. It struck me, as I passed by the majority of the stalls, that the expenditure of so much labour on the manufacture of what can only be called " knick-knacks " is somewhat regrettable. The supply, of course, comes in answer to the demand, but, if there must be " kniek-knacks," may not even they have a certain distinction ? The point is, that in most cases the exhibits were most skilfully made. For example, the work of the blind soldiers at St. Dunstan's is so admirable that it seems a great pity not to try to raise the standard of taste. If these blind workers can put such minute and careful work into the manufacture of painfully common- place articles, what delightful results might be achieved with a little imaginative direction. The St. Dunstan's products are at least utilitarian, and, with a little taste, they could also be made attractive. The proof of this can be found at the stall which exhibits the handwoven materials made at the Barclay Workshops for Blind Women. Whoever is responsible there for the selection of colours and patterns is a person of real decorative genius, and the results are charming. The Barclay Workshops produce really distinguished work.
Mr. Altere's copies of old sunray clocks make a very inter. esting exhibit. The clocks, with their romantic names- " Sunburst," " Tongue of Flame," &c.—are beautifully made and have about them a mixture of flamboyance and delicacy which is most attractive. Alfred G. Hopkins has some interesting examples of his copies of old pottery, and I noticed some beautiful linen work on the Polish Handicrafts Stall, arranged by the Society of Friends. Dora Head, a clever photographer, exhibits some charming portrait studies of children. The more distinctive features of the Exhibition are well worth a visit, but it is a pity that the standard has not been kept a little higher. Some of the stalls are too suggestive of a village bazaar.
ALTDREY LUCAS.
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