GREAT HANDICRAFT EXHIBITION.

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19896, 27 May 1936, Page 7

GREAT HANDICRAFT EXHIBITION.

FINE BRITISH WORK. it is difficult adequately to describe the National Federation of Women‘s Institutes' Handicraft, Exhibition which was held recently in London. I think the best impression can be conveyed in the words of an old Institute member who said to me as she left the hall, It is hardly possible to believe that all these beautiful things were made by human lingers." This seemed to be the universal feeling, for, in my capacity as “guide," I heard many remarks of this kind. The variety and originality of the exhibits, and the wonderful ingenuity displayed in many of the thrift crafts impressed everyone. All work entered for the Exhibition was the work of Women's institute members and had been sent through and selected by the County Federations. The work was divided under two main headings—general individual work and co—operative work. Many of the exhibits shown were the work of Guild of Learners members, which is open to all Women’s Institute members who wish to become proficient in some ‘homeorsit. The objects of the Guild are to regain the practice of home handi—crafts with s view to restoring the best traditions of English workmanship and to assist in bringing the best instruction in handicrafts Within the reach of the villages. Those who visited the Exhibition were very nearly as varied as the exhibits themselves. School parties from different parts of the country were especially appreciative visitors. School-teachers and representstives of the various departments of Education expressed their admira—tion. The Duchess of York, who visited the Exhibition on the first day of its opening, was interested in all she saw. and found it quite difficult to choose from amongst the variety of toys. She finally selected the little Pig Family as a present for Princess Margaret Rose. we were also able to show Her Highness the little one chair which was being made at one of the exhibition work—shops for Princess Elizabeth. The Queen, Who was away at Sandrinsham on the first. day of the Exhibition. showed her continued interest in the Institute movement by visiting us the day after her return to London and showed her usual kind and sympathetic interest in the work of the \Vomen's Institutes.— A London correspondent.