DISPLAY OF ARTS AND CRAFTS

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27639, 21 April 1955, Page 2

DISPLAY OF ARTS AND CRAFTS

TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILDS

CO-OPERATE

A combined arts and crafts exhibition and mannequin parade of period clothes was held yesterday afternoon in the Scottish Hall under the auspices of the Christchurch Area Federation of Townswomen’s Guilds. Mrs C. Plumridge, a Dominion vice-president, presided and welcomed the Mayoress (Mrs R. M. Macfarlane), who opened the exhibition. The highlight of the afternoon was the parade of clothes, many of them more than 100 years old, modelled by representatives of the eight guilds in the federation. The garments, all in perfect preservation and made of beautiful materials, included day frocks and ensembles, ball gowns, wedding gowns, bathing suits, and underwear.

Most of the clothes were heavily beaded, pin-tucked, and embroidered. Others were trimmed with frills, fringe, and bands of fur. The hats, including several picturesque bonnets, featured imitation flowers and ostrich plumes. The underwear, made of white calico and lawn, had wide bands of insertion and lace threaded with pale pink or blue ribbon. An old cycling suit comprised a striped, loosefitting jumper, worn over foil black trousert, tucked into stockings below the knees.

A wide variety of handcrafts was on display in the bays round the room. There were many pieces of beautify! needlework, knitting, tatting, articles of jewellery, and coat posies. Pieces of handpainted china, winter table decorations, and several varieties of ornaments made from lacquered sea shells gave added interest. Competitions were for cooking, floral work and handcraft. There were also several well-stocked sales tables.