INSTEAD OF PICTURE RAILS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 404, 12 July 1928, Page 10 (Supplement)

INSTEAD OF PICTURE RAILS

SOME EFFECTIVE DESIGNS The new fashion of eliminating the picture rail from the wall brings with it the problem of finding other methods of hanging pictures. Modernist designers have decided that the picture rail breaks up the wall-space unduly, and, since one single picture is often deemed sufficient for the modern room, there seems small need to indulge in yards of rail. New plates for the backs of pictures have been made to fit at the backs of special wall-hooks, so that picture wire becomes unnecessary. The plate

and the hook fit into one another so perfectly that there is no risk of the work of art falling, however long it may be suspended. Where there is a single picture in a place of honour an effective method of hanging it is by means of strong woollen cords ending in great woollen tassels, in crimson or deep green. These hang at the sides of the picture. and, in the case of a family portrait or a large landscape in oils, certainly add greatly to the important air of the work. For small water-colours, which have been hung by wires, pretty little metal bows, in burnished brass or oxidised silver, are now made to fit over the nails. These have a very dainty appearance when selected to match the fittings of the room. Small pictures bound with coloured j

or gilt passe-partout tape are now liung by strong silken ribbons, or by gold braid, to match the bindings, riiese should be renewed once a year to ensure safety. Scarlet, purple and jade green figure among the tape bindings.