A SOCIETY OF WOOD-CARVERS

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 10755, 7 September 1900, Page 2

A SOCIETY OF WOOD-CARVERS

Talking yesterday to a, member of. The Press" staff, a gentleman who takes a great interest iv tho *rt of wood carving, and is himself no mean proficient, made a suggestion which may perhaps be carried into practical effect. "There are in Christchurch," said he, "a number of people who take a delight in woadcarving, a-nd are very good indeed at it. Whjat is wanted is something which will bring these together, enable them to see what each other is doing, and talk over matters in connection with the art. By this means not only would a great deal of useful information be exchanged, but the love for wood carving would be spread throughout the community, and the number engaged ia it greatly increased. It is not only fascinating when one takes it up, but "it has a tendency to develop whatever is artistic. For young ladies it is an ideal hobby, en. abling them to adorn their homes and make something which is a thing of beauty and a joy for ever. As you probably know, in England all the great and ancient how_s possess specimens of carving, some of them unique in their way. These were mainly executed by Italian artists specially-brought over. In Derbyshire alone there 'were one hundred skilled artists brought from Italy in the reign of Charles H. to carve mantelpieces, sideboards, etc., for the old houses. A society such as I suggest would do a great deal ofgood here, and I hope to see itetarted before long."