CLEVER EXHIBITS

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20909, 14 September 1939, Page 4

CLEVER EXHIBITS

BKILFUL BLENDING OF COLOUR MRS POWELL’S STUDENTS’ WORK The outstanding feature of the exhibition of crafts work at present being held by Mrs Florence A. Powell and her students, at the studio, Wesley Chambers, is the high standard attained in the many varieties shown. The excellence of the work is apparent in the attention given to detail and to finish, in all instances the striking effect obtained in the larger articles, bearing the closest scrutiny. It is often noticeable in exhibitions of this nature, that, while -meticulous care is taken in small articles, a bold effect, with less regard for detail, seems to be the objective of the student when handling larger undertakings. Many Beautiful Chests The work done in poker and coloured inks is most effective, especially in the lovely chests, one or two in particular, being more than usually attractive. On the front of the largest chest is depicted “ The Miracle of the Roses,” executed in a softness of colour faintly reminiscent of old world tapestry, while of an entirely different type, is a smaller chest worked in relief carving, prver work and coloured inks, in a magniplia diesign. Table-iops of the greatest variety i range from a map of the moon for the astrologer to planes for the airminded, while quaint Egyptian figures ornament a small oval ooffee table. Much Ingenuity Shown Firescreens are a popular exhibit, and show to advantage the beauty which can be beaten from brass and copper. Several of the designs are picked out in enamels, the combination being most pleasing. Many beautiful articles, such as dressing-table sets, book-ends, trays, etc., are fashioned from pewter, and illustrate the ingenuity of the students. Two unusual exhibits are a table cloth and a curtain embroidered in vivid coloured stiitchery, which have a charming Eastern air, and provide a bright note of colour. The painting on glass is delicately done and gives a charming effect. Bright blue children’s furniture painted with gaily coloured animals, chubby infants and flowers attracted many admirers, a beautiful blue playbox adorned with figures dear to children, being the piece de resistance of this group. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs are prominent in the designs on the little, stools and fat cherubs coyly peep from pastel wall panels. Dull Articles Brightened Even such utilitarian articles as chopping and bread boards, garden baskets, and salt boxes, have taken on a -more interesting appearance under the clever fingers of their owners, and masquerade as succulent green lettuce and fat little pigs or are transformed into “ growing gardens ” or by gay sailing ships. Worthy of special mention are the two screens, executed by Mrs Powell, for seldom is such exquisite work and complete mastery of the art of harmoniously blending colours and original ideas, seen in Hamilton. The exhibition will be open until