Help with some hobbies

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32430, 17 October 1970, Page 10

Help with some hobbies

COINS People whose interest in coincollecting was aroused or encouraged by Howard Linecar’s successful “Beginner’s Guide to Coin Collecting” will be specially attracted to the same author’s new book, “An Advanced Guide to Coin Collecting” (280 pp.). This book examines fairly closely the various coinages in the British Isles from the time of the Ancient British coinage. The text and the many clear illustrations suggest that there are good reasons for the hopes of Pelham Books, the publishers, that this should prove a good collector’s working book, and perhaps lead advanced collectors on to more specialised studies. STONES “Collecting and Polishing Stones” by Herbert Scarfe (B. T. Batsford, 87 pp.) is a comprehensive guide for people attracted to . the hobby of collecting and polishing stones. Mr Scarfe gives instruction on the nature of rocks and minerals, on stones suitable for polishing, equipment for polishing, and on to such advanced processes as cutting an oval cabochon. Mr Scarfe has an expert knowledge of the subject, and the skill to pass on his knowledge in the most helpful ways. Plates in colour illustrate the gratifying results that may be obtained from stones of such humble origin as beach pebbles. DYEING “Introducing Dyeing and Printing” by Beryl Ash and Anthony Dyson (Batsford and Watson-Guptill, 119 pp.) is designed to help teachers to develop children’s creative instincts in the direction of dyeing and printing. With guidance, children will be encouraged

to use these crafts for decoration purposes and to explore the graphic possibilities of materials. The text is brief, clear and sufficient; the chief emphasis, however, is on the illustrations, of which there are more than 200, 14 in colour. Together, the text and illustrations provide a stimulating framework into which ideas and improvisations may be built. "ANTIQUING” “With Love and Elbow Grease,” by Elizabeth Lowry Browning (Ward Lock, 92 pp.), is intended to attract chiefly people whose interest is in “re-doing” old furniture semiantiques, junk shop treasures, oddments of Victorians, and the rest. A brightly-written text takes the reader in detail through procedures for restoring, decorating, and finishing objects such as an old chest of drawers, a table, or a picture frame. To strip or not is discussed, designs are suggested and illustrated, and glazing and marbleising are included in the instructions. The author gives advice also on recognising good lines and suitable pieces in junk shops and at auctions. ETCHING Artists, professional and amateur, wishing to embark on the fascinating craft of etching and engraving will find “Etching and Intaglio Printing,” by M. J. Middleton, an invaluable guide. The techniques are explained stage by stage, and each stage is further explained by detailed illustrations. The layout and organisation of a studio are described. Mr Middleton’s aim is to bring the art of print-making within the reach of people who have hitherto thought of it as the exclusive province of the master craftsman.