Stuccolin Ceiling Decoration.

Progress, Volume II, Issue 3, 2 January 1907, Page 89

Stuccolin Ceiling Decoration.

It is only a little over one-and-a-half years since the Carrara Ceiling Co Ltd started business in New Zealand, and already we find springing up in our midst an industry of great importance, not only to our architects, builders, and decorators, but to those who are interested m the steady improvement of all that pertains to the various branches of building construction. On every hand may be seen the truly artistic work in ceiling and wall decoration that follows on the use of Stuccolm, which is the well-known and exclusive product of the Carrara Ceiling Co. Ltd. Our illustrations are representative of many examples of fine work executed in Stuccolm, and they show the possibilities of this material when fashioned at the hands of an artist. One shows the entrance to the Grand Hotel, Wellington, and the style adopted is Louis XVI. Fluted pilasters are seen surmounting an ornamental dado, while the pillars and arches are of an exceedingly delicate design. In addition to this main hall, some fifteen rooms have been finished in Stuccolm, and the work executed by the Company right through this magnificent hotel is of a highly meritorious character. The above illustration depicts the interior of the new Bank of Australasia, Wellington, and gives a good idea of what is undoubtedly one of the finest banking-chamber ceilings in the colony This illustration also serves to present an idea of the extent to which the plasticity of Stuccolm may be worked. The style adopted in this ceiling is Italian Renaissance, and the work has led to a very faithful representation of this style. In the centre there is a perspective balustrade m low relief, giving the appearance of a dome. It will be readily concluded on studying this illustration that Stuccolm is possible of greater effects than any other material used for ceiling work. Theie is a vigour and finish about it that are peculiarly its own — thus a good future for the material is assured.

We shall yet be going to the far East to learn the ways of modern methods m craftsmanship. There

is always something we can pick up, though the tools and methods are strange to European or American users. Pre-eminent among the skilled craftsmen of China the carpenter still retains the leadership. Though almost invariably wedded to the use of the tools of his ancestors and to their methods, yet, when judged by results, he is more efficient in his line than are the average of the foreign- trained fitters and machinists in theirs.