ARTS AND CRAFTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23191, 10 November 1938, Page 4

ARTS AND CRAFTS

WORK ON EXHIBITION VALUE IN MODERN LIFE MUCH TALENT REVEALED In these days of mechanisation in every phase of life, the advent in Auckland of a Craftsworkers' Guild is a matter of some moment to women who are interested in creative work. That women should be able to spin and weave their own cloth, make their own pottery and china, paint the latter in beautiful designs, make all kinds of lovely things in leather, metals and woods, and do most exquisite needlework, must be reassuring to those people who have been inclined to think women have been losing their love for the ancient crafts of the home.

To show the kind of work the guild is doing, an exhibition was opened at Milno and Choyce's premises yesterday afternoon, a part of one of the showrooms having been lent by the management for the purpose. Th« ceremony was performed by Mrs. TV. R. Wilson, who was presented with a bouquet of crimson roses. Wide Variety of Exhibits

One of the oustanding sections was that devoted to the exhibition of handtweeds with matching scarves and delightful handbags. Cushions with covers in soft harmonious colourings, and curtains, also hand wo von, were equally attractive. As an adjunct to this section, wool in all its stages was shown, and a demonstration of spinning and weaving was given. An expecially fine exhibit was a wall drape or curtain of leather worked in a Persian design in soft ivory and fawn, laced with gold and ornamented ■with wrought brass, a really lovely thing. Another of a different design was in crimson leather. A panel illustrating the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin in petit point by the same worker was a magnificent piece of work. A presentation box in leather, a floor cushion also in leather, and some metal work, were other of her exhibits. Aims ol the Guild A black and gold Chinese lacquer cabinet, a screen in leather and metal work (replica of a famous screen in Istanbul) and a panel depicting an Oriental scene were among the exhibits shown by another worker. Scarves in batic work, noticeable for their lovely colouring, a bridal veil exquisitely worked in a design of clematis flowers, chests in beaten copper and enamel, jardinieres in worked brass, modern lamps and lampshades, hand-painted china, and pottery in all kinds of shapes, designs and colourings, were but some of the examples of work done by members of the guild and supplementary workers. An unusual and extremely clever exhibit was that of a model of Lake Waikaremoana. with the island of Waikere in its midst. Another display was one symbolic of the art of the theatre.

In explaining the object of the exhibition and the aims of the guild, the honorary secretary. Miss H. Adair, stressed the fact that to the individual genuine, handcraft was not only of material benefit but it was also a satisfactory tiutlet for the creative faculties and the emotions. Source ol Much Happiness In declaring the exhibition open Mrs. W. R. Wilson said that in these days of hurry and pleasure-seeking such crafts as they were viewing offered an opportunity of returning to the more solid things of life. Such a society as the Craftsworkers' Guild made it possible for the young people in Auckland to take up work that ultimately would give them a great deal of happiness.

When she visited the East a little while ago she saw something of the creative work that the peoples of those countries did. So great was their love of perfection, so infinite their patience, that if they created but one perfect thing in the whole of their lives they would be well content. Such a society this would help to foster a love of creative art.

A vote of thanks to Mrs. Wilson for opening the show was proposed by Mrs. Cheul.

The exhibitors included the following working members of the guild'— Mrs. Cheal, Miss C. and Miss M. Cameron, Miss O. Jones, Mrs. Powell,. Mrs. Shepherd. Mrs. Wigg and Miss M. Wigg, Miss Helen Adair, Miss Briar Gardner, Miss Edith Sutherland. Mrs. N. O'Donoghue. Supplementary exhibitors were: —Mrs. Peacock. Miss F?endell. Miss A. Cozens, Mrs. C. Webber, and Miss Moran.