INTERESTING FUNCTION.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20263, 4 August 1937, Page 3

INTERESTING FUNCTION.

EXHIBITION OF CRAFTS WORK. MRS. F. A. POWELL’S STUDIO. Enhanced, If it were at all possible by a most artistic scheme of arrangement, the exhibition of crafts work held by Mrs Florence A. Powell and students In the Studio in Wesley Chambers, presents a very lovely display of varied and wonderfully attractive work. The exhibition was officially opened by Mr J. Treloar, president of the Waikato Society of Arts, at a private view last evening, when there was an exceedingly large number present. In his address Mr Treloar spoke very warmly of the work studios such as Mrs Powell’s were doing in fostering an appreciation of beauty, and said they were of very definite value to the community. They were of value to the individual, the work being a means of self-expression, and the creation of something beautiful was indeed an adventure. It was an inspiration to find such a display of work, and in declaring the exhibition open Mr Treloar wished the Studio and the exhibition every success. Mrs Allen Bell, on behalf of past and present students, made the presentation to Mrs Powell of a silver powder compact in appreciation of her willing assistance at all times, and Master Geoffrey Hyde, the youngest pupil, presented her with a lovely spray of flowers, Mrs Powell briefly returning thanks. The guests then found much to Interest them among the various types

of work, and later In the evening supper was served. Mrs Powell received the guests wearing a charming frock of turquoise blue tinsel taffeta cloque. She was assisted by Mrs G. Gummer, of Morrlnsville, wearing mulberry goldembroidered crepe faille, and Sister Wordsworth wearing black chiffon velvet with ivory flowers at the neckline. The girls of the Hamilton High School Hostel acted as ushers, and students assisted in showing the guests round. Some Exquisite Articles. Some exquisite articles were on display. Examples of hand-painted pottery were very lovely, and a comprehensive display of pewter work, comprising bedroom clocks, boxes, book ends, mirrors, brooches, rings and toilet sets on matching trays, enamel painted in delightful pastel shades, was very warmly admired. Woodwork, with designs executed in poker work, hand-painting and with designs of bronze, copper and pewter as a finish, showed to advantage in such larger works as chests, log-boxes, little stools, tables and bookcases, while a new and delightfully effective idea is the making of wood pictures. Copper and brass work in fire-screens, boxes, tables and a dozen other forms was a particularly interesting and effective section containing much intricate work, and a hand-painted portiere was a striking example of the work of the Studio. Novel work in the delicate painting of glassware, cocktail sets, Jugs and tumblers, sweet dishes and other similar articles was original and wholly delightful, and some most attractive writing compendiums in effective designs and charming colour harmonies, made of wood and bound with leather to tone, were displayed. Even the most utilitarian articles, such as bread boards, knife boxes, salt boxes and cork mats had taken on a new guise with gay designs scattered about them, and some chopping boards in tiie shape of small pigs caused much amusement. A table of work done by the Hamilton High School Hostel girls contained some fine work and evoked much interest. Altogether ttie exhibition contains articles of interest to all tastes, and the viewing of the colourful and delicately wrought works gave inestimable pleasure to the guests and made the evening a greatly appreciated one.