DR. FRANK CRANE’S DAILY EDITORIAL

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 143, 7 September 1927, Page 6

DR. FRANK CRANE’S DAILY EDITORIAL

THE RISE OF THE SMOCK (Copyright, 1921) rpHE characteristic dress of the artist, the painters and sculpture men, ha? always been the smock, that is a loose, cotton garment which is worn over everything. # Now, out of the artist’s studio, the smock has come into every other department of life, and its increased use recently has Teen significant. The employment of the smock solves a great many problems. The smock is not necessarily drab and dull, but may be coloured in any way and give full employment to one’s artistic sense. It may be made very attractive. It is useful in the school-room. The question of uniforms for school children is one that has been often urgently presented. The smock solves this question. Uniforms could be kept in the school-room and donned by the children when they appear. It would thus keep all their other clothes clean, at the same time giving them a pleasing personal appearance. The smock is better than the apron in the kitchen as it covers all tte clothes and is easily taken on and off, and the housewife may quickly throw it over her other clothes, preserve them from dirt, anij be ready at any time by doffing the smock to make a presentable appearance to company. In offices the smock has made great incursions. The use of the smock has not been confined to women. Men are making use of the garment more and more. Of course, it always held sway in the artist’s atelier, but it is now in use in chemical laboratories, factories, offices, newspaper composing rooms and telegraph rooms. Its utility should not be over-emphasised, for it may be made smart. Its attractiveness offers . unlimited possibilities. The smock combines ease and comfort with economy, serviceability and style. On account of its artistic associations it comes recommended and nobody should be ashamed to wear it.