A RARE EXPOSITION OF LINENS.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14832, 25 November 1913, Page 9

A RARE EXPOSITION OF LINENS.

SPECIMENS OF THE FINEST HUSH WEAVING. LOVELY EXAMPLES OF DAINTY LACE-WORK FROM ALL COUNTRIES. From time immemorial the ladies of our Empire have loved and takeh pride in fine linens. In the middle ages even the highest ladies in the land did Hot disdain to wield the distaff- and wero proud of their skill in weaving. In this twentieth century machinery has reliovod tha ladies of this work, but they have not abated ono whit their interest in the finished product. To have line linons, spotlessly whito, 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, will bo interested in the magnificent display of these goods, which is being shown in the windows of Messrs Beath and Co., Ltd., of this city.

Three of the firm's large' windows have 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, and shows that ail the principal countries of Europe have contributed towards the display. First, of course, cornea the wonderful hand-made linen of Ireland, famous all over the world, a beautiful example of which forms the centre-piece of the window. It is a magnificent Irish Linen Bedspread, hand embroidered, and shows most 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 a table upon which is spread a particularly fine damask cloth marked at live guineas. This cloth is an excellent specimen of drawn-thread work, and the design is a novel one in floral festoons. For those who desire something at a lower price there' is a fine selection of damask cloths, in all qualities, including many of the celebrated "Old Bleach" make. These are all worthy of attention, many of the designs being most elaborate and artistic. Much of the space is devoted to the display of "fancy linens, and in this section" the products of Belgium. Franco, and Hungary 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 evcry-day use, and one could spend hours in examining tbem all. But surely we have eaid 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 the borders of Canterbury, but thw display exceeds even what one expects from such a progressive firm, arfd cannot fail to enhance their fame. 9