ARTS AND CRAFTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 266, 10 November 1938, Page 16

ARTS AND CRAFTS.

FINE EXHIBITION. BEAUTIFUL WORK SHOWN. An exhibition of art work of the Craft-workers' Guild, held in the showroom of Messrs. Milne aiul Choyce, was opened yesterday afternoon by Mrs. W. R. Wilson. "There is a lot to be said for the Eastern idea," said Mrs. Wilson, in her speech declaring the exhibition o[>en. "People take work like this Aery seriously, and no one likes to die before he or she has completed at least one beautiful thing— a picture, a panel, a tapestry. There is certainly great satisfaction to l»e gained by making something oneself.'' In these days of hurry and pleasure-seeking, she continued, such crafts gave an opportunity of returning to the more solid tilings of life. Such a society as the Craftworkers' (iuilcl fostered a creative attitude. a love of perfection and an infinite patience which would give to those who took up such work a great deal of ha ppiness.

This is the first year so many arts and crafts have been represented. There were exhibits of pottery in all shapes, designs ami colourings. Wcavjjig exhibits were outstanding, and included hand-made tweeds. with matching scarves and handbags, cushions of harmonious colourings and attractive curtains. As an adjunct to this section, wool was shown in all the stages of manufacture, and a demonstration of spinning and weaving was given. The leather work section contained a particularly fine wall drape or curtail of leather worked in a Persian design in soft ivory and fawn, laced with gold and ornamented with wrought brass, while another curtain of a different design was worked in crimson leather. Members' Work. Lacquer work was represented by a black and gold Chinese cabinet. A screen in leather and metal (a replica of a famous screen in Istanbul), a panel showing an Kastern scene, and scarves in batie work, were also noticeable for their beauty. Other examples of work by members of the guild included basketwork. heavy gauge metal, needle painting, wood carving, china painting and jewellery, chests in beaten copper and enamel, brass jardinieres and modern lam [is and lampshades. " All unusual and extremely clever I model of Lake Waikarenioana was ♦shown, with the island of Waikere in its midst. Another display -was symbolic of the art. of the theatre. The whole collection showed excellent workmanship and should prove most stimulating to students of the many crafts represented. Mrs. Cheal proposed a vote of thanks to Mrs. Wilson for opening the show, and a presentation was made of a bouquet of crimson roses. The exhibitors included the following working members of the guild:—Mrs. Cheal. Missies C. and M. Cameron. Miss O. Jones. Mrs. Powell, Mrs. Shepherd, Mrs. Wigg and Miss M. Wigg, Miss Helen Adair, Miss Briar Gardner. Miss Edith Sutherland, Mrs. N. O'Donoghue. Supplementary exhibitors were: Mrs. Peacock, Miss Rendell, Miss A. Cozens, Mrs. C. Webber and Mis« Moran.