Cottage Industry Outlet

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32313, 3 June 1970, Page 2

Cottage Industry Outlet

Women today are urged to cultivate creative leisure time interests, and three Christchurch housewives with an arts and crafts gallery are finding the amount of talent in the city “staggering.”

“We have found an amazing number of women who do really beautiful craft work in their spare time," said Mrs Z. Laurie. With her friends, Mrs R. Doyle and Mrs M. G. Price, she has been viewing work to stock the Elmwood Gallery, which opened in Normans Road this morning.

For some-years the women have shared an interest in arts and crafts, though they say their practical aptitude is limited to “tinkering around.” I Many of their friends, how-

ever, are ictively engaged in painting, pottery, weaving, and carving. But few sell their work, usually being diffident about approaching business concerns.

“Last September we began to think about doing something in crafts collectively, but the idea to open a shop did not really ‘gel’ until April when we held a private showing al Mrs Laurie's home,” said Mrs Doyle. They found the interest beyond expectation, and then it all snowballed. A conveniently sited shop became vacant, and with their husbands* approval and encouragement they began the practical business of setting up shop.

Wide Range

■ For the opening this momling they had accumulated an (attractive display of pottery, weaving, ceramics, embroidery, enamel and wondware, i screen prints, jewellery, and paintings. It is a first showing for many of the 30 contributors, who include several men.

“Many of these people are very talented, often they have a background in the arts and want to keep up their interest in the home environment,” said Mrs Price.

Although the three women firmly maintain a professional standard of craftsmanship and design for the work they sell, they do not look on the gallery as a money-mak-ini’ venture.

“We are jiist in it for fun, working with things we like and having an interest outside the home,” Mrs Price said.

Friends’ Work

They keep business with contributors as informal as possible. Friends were their main source of stock at first, and they regard the venture as an extension of their circle.

“Oh yes," said Mrs Laurie, “they are all friends. And we have met such interesting people since we began.” They are looking forward to meeting many more people with like interests, both contributors and customers. Eventually they hope to have goods from all over New Zealand. Mrs Laurie will work three, days a -week, and Mrs Doyle: and Mrs Price will serve one ■day each week. In their spare hours they will meet contributors and view work.

“This way we will have an interest which doesn't interfere with our homes, and allows us time for other hobbies too,” said Mrs Price.

The photograph shows Mrs Doyle (left), and Mrs Price (right), admiring a coffee pot being prepared for display by Mrs Laurie.