FINE DISPLAY OF HAND WORK

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19251, 12 December 1930, Page 10

FINE DISPLAY OF HAND WORK

EXHIBITION GIVEN BY GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL. Arts and crafts as taught in the modern school would be a revelation to the old world scholars of our grandmothers’ day. That the modern child is encouraged to cultivate originality and full play given to her artistic temperament was shown by the splendid array of handwork displayed by pupils of the Girls’ High School, under the direction of the principal, Miss P. M. P. Clark, at their annual exhibition yesterday afternoon and evening. Desks and blackboards were removed and the various classrooms transformed into a veritable art gallery. Parents and interested friends of the pupils thronged the rooms in both the afternoon and evening, and showed a keen interest in the work of the girls. Arts and Crafts. In the arts and crafts section, in the charge of Miss A. M. Gibb, was to be seen some excellent work, all of which showed neatness of finish and care in excution. Basket work, marquetry (or stained and painted woodwork), leather firescreens and antiqued stools, also useful articles in suede and leather, -were among the many crafts displayed. On one table were noticed a calfskin writing case, a leather camera case, purse, belt, photo album, trinket boxes, a silken stencilled scarf, a punched-leather covered stool and numerous other useful articles, all the work of one pupil. Another table contained some splendidly designed work by first-year pupils. An interacting exhibit was that of bookbinding, under the direction of Miss I. F. Milnes. Not only were books made for use as albums of various kinds by the pupils, but they had also repaired and rebound old, torn books, giving them a new lease of life. Music had also been bound with strong and ornate covers. An exhibition of botany drawings, the work of Miss A. Burns’s pupils, showed neatness of line and a good eye. Illustrated poems, with passepartout frames, delicately painted fairy scenes, architectural drawings, object drawing, life studies and posters showed promise of even more good work to be done in the future by these young artists. Under the direction of Miss D. J. Bone, who w r as in charge of the Camera Club, some charming studies were presented, neatly mounted, and in many cases beautifully tinted or coloured. Needlework Section. Fine sewing and beautiful embroidery, upon which any adult might look with envy, was to be seen in the needlework section, where Miss M. Alexander’s pupils had an excellent display of their work. Richelieu, applique, drawnthread and embroidery in coloured silks or wool had been effectively used to enrich cushions, table covers, traycloths, table centres, fine lingerie and many other pretty and useful articles. Equally commendable was the work of Miss S. Atkinson’s pupils, who had devoted their energies to dressmaking. The result was an extensive display of neatly-made, well-cut frocks, aprons and gymnasium dresses. Cookery Display. Food to tempt jaded appetites, daintily set out on spotless linen covered tables was to be found in the cookery section. Here, under Miss A. M. Watson’s supervision, the girls had made all manner of delectable dishes, using both electric and gas stoves in order that they might become accustomed to cook with either. Large cakes, iced and decorated, small cakes and biscuits, sweets, scones and bread all looked tempting, as did also the pots of clear jelly and richly coloured jam- Tables set for various meals, showing the correct placement of silver and cutlery, was a feature of the exhibition which should prove useful in the training of these future housewives. Trifles, salads and jellied fruits or savouries also made an attractive display. During the evening some of the pupils, in costume, acted a short humorous play entitled “Six Who Pass While the Lentils Boil.” The prologue was given by Mollie Hansen, the various parts being played by. the following girls:—Queen, Ruth Collins; The Mime, Molly Morrison; Milkmaid, Joyce Sladen; Dreadful Headman, Joan Malcolmson; The Boy, Dorothy Pratt; Ballad Singer, Esther Goodland.