A BARE EXPOSITION OF LINENS.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14831, 24 November 1913, Page 5

A BARE EXPOSITION OF LINENS.

SPECIMENS OF THE FINEST IRISH WEAViNG. LOVELY EXAMPLES OF DAINTY LACE-WORK FROM ALL COUNTRIES. From time immemorial the ladies of our Empire have loved and taken pride in fine linens. In the middle ages even the highest ladies in the land did not disdain to wield the distaff, and were proud of their skill in weaving. Jn this twentieth century macninery has relieved the ladies of this work, but they have not abated one whit their interest in the finished product. To have line linens, spotlessly,white, to place on bed and board before the welcome guest, is still the desire of every housewife, and there is still scope for her to display her skill in the selection of these goods. All lovers of fine linens, therefore, *n°sll bo interested in the-magnificent display of these goods, which is lieing shown in the windows of Messrs .Beath and Co.. Ltd., of this city. Three of the firm's largo windows havo been thrown into one, and the whole of this space has been devoted to an exposition of all kinds of bed, table, and fancy linens. A card in the window indicates the sources from which these beautiful goods have been culled, shows that ail the principal countries or Europe have contributed towards the display. First, of course, comes the wonderful hand-made linen of Ireland.-famous all over the world,, •a'beautiful example of which forms tho centre-piece of the window. It is a magnificent Irish Linen Bedspread, hand embroidered, and shows moist skilful workmanship. This piece is one that would delight any connoisseur, and it is undoubtedly worth every penny of the fifteen guineas at which it is priced. Immediately below this is n tablo upon which is spread a particularly fine damasli; cloth marked at Uiv'e guineas. This cloth is an excellent specimen of drawn-thread work, and the design is a novel one in floral festoons. For these who desire something at a loner price there is a fine selection of damask cloths, in all qualities, including many of the celebrated "Old Bleach" make. These are all wortny of attention, many of the designs being most elaborate and artistic. Much or the space is devoted to tho display of fanov linens, and in this section'the products of Beleium. France, and Hun-' gary are prominent. Words "cannot describe .'"the delicacy of this lace and insertion work, some of which looks as if it could only have been woven by that master weaver—the spider. Of course, there are many pieces more suitable for cverv-day nse, and one could spend hours in examining them all. But surely- we have said enough to convince our readers that this is a display which should not be missed. Beath and Co. enjoy a reputation as specialists in fine linens, which extends far beyond tbe borders of* Canterbury, but this display exceeds even what one expects from such a progressive firm, and cannot fail to enhance their fame. 2