ANTIQUE EXHIBITION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 252, 25 October 1933, Page 12

ANTIQUE EXHIBITION.

An exhibition of antiques, which was arranged by the arts and crafts circle of the Lyceum Club, took place yesterday in the lounge under the control of the convener, Mrs. J. C. Dickenson. One of the interesting tilings shown was a silk frock, iu a Paisley-like pattern and lined with linen in the old style which was worn by Lady Franklin, wife of Sir Benjamin Franklin, the Arctic explorer who died in those wastes. It was brought to New Zealand by its owner when she came to visit relations, and left with them when elie departed. A christening robe, which was 75 years old, and which was hand embroidered by Indians, was another interesting relic. Some very fine Sheffield plate, which filled a small tabic,-also with trays to carry it, and a large urn, which stood in the midle of the room, were much admired. Two old deeds, which were hung up in a cabinet, showed how business was done in the year 1700. A large and interesting picture, which was worked with wool 011 linen in cross-

stitch, and which showed the surrender of Mary Queen of Scots to the English, stood on the stage and was remarkable for the clearness and brightness of the colours after so many years. Another set of patterns in wool work 011 canvas was done in 1800, while a portion of a heavy silk- coat, which was worn at tho court of King George 111. by Lord Down, showed ' how gay could' be tho tastes of .the men in that period and what beautiful and fine embroidery, with each flower petal nearly perfect, could be executed by the nuns of the same time. A bedroom set of ware was made in Canton many years ago, and showed the intricate patterns with which the Chinese adorned English ware for washing in the bedrooms of tho period. Old Chinese plaques, linen bedspread with cut work, and an example of a sampler worked in 1848 were shown at the end of the room. On the walls hung some fine Paisley shawls, which were 200 years old, and a heavy silk shawl, in deep mulberry colour, which was woven before wool came to be used in this form of shawl. Lustre vases, pewter candlesticks, pewter mugs and many varieties of unusual cups, plates arid warming pans in copper were displayed. Mrs. L. Y. Rapson, vice-presi-dent, opened the exhibition.