33
E.—s
Applied Art-work, Wood and Stone Carving, and Repousse.—The nature of this work has been similar to that of last year, rather more taking repousse than'carving. A commendable feature is that almost all the work has been from original designs. The quality of work has improved. Stencilling: Some creditable though elementary work has for the first time been done in this direction. A few of the students applied their studies in plant form to stencil designs for cushions, table-centres, &c, carrying them out on silk, &c. A few others carried out designs in needlework. It is hoped to still further extend " applied " work in other directions, as in gesso, leather-embossing, &c. A valuable adjunct to this work is the class for plant form in relation to designs. This was held one afternoon a week, and attended by an average of sixteen students. As far as possible a plant in all stages of its development was taken, studying its growth, character, and decorative capacity, and then applied to the ornamental filling of spaces. Painters' and Decorators' Work. —The attendance in this class has slightly improved, there being an average of fourteen per term. This is, however, still small considering the number of youths engaged in this business. During the second and third terms the class was held twice a week, with such success that it is to be a permanent feature. Various branches of work have been practised, including glass gilding and embossing, stencilling, grisaille, signwriting, graining, marbling, &c. The Painters' Union and Mr. Sey have again been helpful to the class. Prizes have also been given bi' Messrs. Davis, Bush, and Button. Decorative Design. —Classes for the study of prinsiples of ornament were held once a week in the morning and evening, and attended by an average of seventeen and twelve respectively. This was an improvement on the previous year and much better work was done. Geometry and Pattern-drawing for Tinsmiths. —Similar to last year a short course in elementary geometry was given, followed by applications to trade requirements. Models were also made in cardboard and tin. The average attendance was eight. This was discouraging in view of the importance in giving to the workmen scientific methods instead of the rule of thumb so generally in vogue at present. Geometry and Perspective. —There has again been a satisfactory attendance, especially in geometry. The average numbers being in 1903, 86; 1904, 81. Architecture and Building-construction. —ln the latter class there was an average attendance of thirty-three. The class in architecture was not held the first term, having practically died out at the end of 1903. A new lecturer was appointed, and the class started again the second term with an attendance of twelve. Last term there were thirteen. This is more satisfactory than it has been for some years past, and the term just commenced shows a still further advance of fifteen. After waiting for upwards of fifteen years we shall be able to get a few of the more necessary models required in these subjects, by means of the sum allotted for apparatus, &c. Carpentry and Joinery. —The average on the roll for this class has been thirteen, compared with sixteen the previous year. It has been worked in association with building-construction and geometry, and has done good useful work. Cabinetwork. —Up to the end of 1903 no separate class was held in this subject, the students taking their work as far as possible with other classes. At the beginning of last year it was placed under the separate charge of a well-qualified instructor, and bids fair to become a useful class. There was an average roll-number of eight. Instruction of Teachers and Pupil-teachers. —This work has comprised freehand, model, geometry, perspective, brushwork, modelling in plasticine, cardboard modelling, free-arm and blackboard drawing, and carving. The last was the most largely attended, owing to the regulation making it compulsory for the D certificate. The same unsatisfactory arrangement was continued as to fees—viz., compelling teachers to take two particular subjects if they wished their fees paid, instead of allowing them a wider choice. Scholarships. —Builders' Association: These were competed for in December. Both were given to candidates in the Senior Division ; none in the Junior were considered well enough qualified. State school scholarships (boys) : At the beginning of the year scholarships entitling to a year's free tuition were awarded to the head boy in drawing in fifteen district State schools. State school scholarships (girls): On the result of the annual competition, ten scholarships were awarded to girls from State schools. Free Studentships: Six studentships offered by the Board for annual competition on the past year's work were awarded. Prizes were presented by Messrs. Whitcombe and Tombs, C. Kidson, A. W. Feilder, W. Sey, Bush, Button, and Davis, and by the Canterbury Society of Arts, the Architectural Association, and the Painters' Union for competition in various subjects, and were all awarded. Local Examinations. —Second-grade passes: Freehand, 42; model, 56; geometry, 14; perspective, 10; blackboard, 38. Full second-grade certificates, 2. Passes in other subjects: Brushwork—elementary stage 13, advanced stage 4; modelling in plasticine—elementary stage 18; modelling from the cast—elementary ornament 5, elementary antique 2; plant form, 9; firstgrade geometry, 22; tinsmiths' geometry and pattern-drawing—first year 2, second year 2, third year 1, mensuration 5; carpentry and joinery—first year 1, second year 5; building-construc-tion—first year 5 second year 8, third year 5, fourth year 2; architecture, 11; cabinetwork— first year 4; cardboard modelling, 3; free-arm and blackboard drawing, 7; principles of ornament, 15. Art and Science Examinations of the Education Department of Great Britain, 1901,. —The number of passes was as follows: Freehand, 7; model, 6; still life, 3; plant-form, 2; drawing from life, 1 ; anatomy, 1; design (stage I), 1 ; modelling head from life, 2; plane and solid geometry, 1; building-construction, 1. Changes in the Staff. —At the beginning of the second term Mr. J. L. Balfour was appointed instructor in advanced drawing and painting, including work from the life, thus relieving the headmaster of most of this work and enabling him to give more time to other work and to general supervision. Mr. A. Ager was appointed in July to take charge of architecture and advanced
5—E. 5,
Use your Papers Past website account to correct newspaper text.
By creating and using this account you agree to our terms of use.
Your session has expired.