Craft Centre’s Class In Furniture Making

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28868, 13 April 1959, Page 2

Craft Centre’s Class In Furniture Making

The front lawn of 116 Springfield road was a workshop for a class of 15 making cane furniture under the direction df Miss Y Rust at the Craft Centre o second week-end school last Saturday The class, advertised on the centre’s notice board, was open to members and friends Basketry is a normal part of the. curriculum. but ample space and running water are necessary fui making furniture, according to Miss Rust.

The bundles of cane were first soaked in a copper Black wrought iron frames were provided for coolie chairs, kitchen chairs and stools, and doubledecker coffee tables Some cane was also dyed before weaving A garden hose was used to keep the cane supple while the furniture was being made When

completed the furniture is veneered with a resinous liquid. It was a picturesque scene. The amateur craftsmen sat on high stools absorbed in the work taking shape in their hands. bale of Goods

Another special feature of the day was the sale of goods made at the centre and bearing its seal A select committee examines the goods, and with its approval a seal may be affixed. Only goods made by members at the centre can have the approved seal.

Pottery sold quickly There were dishes, bowls,. mugs, vases, and earrings of biscuit and glazed pottery Basket work, trays ana pot-plant holders were on sale too AU proceeds are for the centre

The demand for tuition in handicrafts is growing rapidly according to the director <Mr J Nelson». The centre opened las* July with a membership of 22. and there are now 184 active members. Classes are held eve-j day, with a special children’s session on Saturday morning.

The main purpose of the centre is not so much to make, as to teach the principles of making An indication of its success is tne demand for kilns which the centre makes from its prototype. A larger kiln is at present being made at the centre. It will Hold pottery three feet in height. The Craft Centre hones to add a weaving shed to the back ot its premises. A lettering school is being planned for schoolteachers during the May holidays. At present there is a class solely for schoolteachers on Wednesday evenings “Indirectly, the centre is of terrific benefit to schools.’’ said Mr Nelson. “There is research going on all the time in addition to the classes We try to use native New Zealand materials as much as possible, and we hope to have field sections soon which will fossick round for things lik,clay, minerals, and anything of use at the centre.’’