The Sunday tatler and Jersey City express. (Jersey City, N.J.) 1883-1886, 1886-02-14
INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION.


The countries of Europe colder and
more complex in their problems of civiliz-
alton than the United States of America
have their own peculiarities in education,
as 10 almost everything else. They have
long since found educated labor an inn
portant factor in their National prosperity
The various industrial expositions held
in Europe, from time to time. are indica-
lions. to large extent, of the attention
given to Industrial Education. France,
up to about 1878, ranked higher in the
skill of lis workmen than any other
European country. Industrial exhibitions
began with the French. Expositions have
been organized and opened in Paris in
1898, 1901, 1902, 1906, 1919, 1928, 1927.
1884, 1889, 1874, 1856, 1857 and 1878.
The last three were international in their
character.
England IS, in many respects, the lead
ing nation of Europe. In manufacturing
she is certainly the leading nation of the
world. She held her first industrial ex-
position in 1851. 1t was International in
its character, aud was on much grander
scale than any preceding effort 1t was
managed by Prince Albert, and its call
was generously responded to by all the
leading nations Of the world. Then, for
the first time, there was fair opportunity
to compare the productions of various
countries, which required skill and the
application of art to industry. England
had very sudden surprise and awaken
ing. 1t was clear that she was far in the
rear of her great rivals on the continent in
all that required taste and skill. The
Judges appointed by herself were amazed
at her inferiority. Convinced of this, she
did not sit down supinely and wait, like
her own "Micawber," for something to
r.t,irn nm Sic SIZE set to work with char
acteristic energy to recover what she had
lost. Her long-headed and practical men
did d good deal of thinking over this
problem, which was one of life or death
for her. Their first act was to organize
and establish what is known as the sSouth
Kensington Industrial School," 1t was
upon grand scale, and was a central or
parent institution, with branches in every
corner of the Kingdom where manufac-
turing is done which requires skill and
ornamentatiou. Within ten years from
the founding of this noble institution its
effects were apparent everywhere. In
that short time no less than one hundred
and twenty-five branch schools were in
operation, all assisted from the head
centre.
The result of these measures was TO give
England's artisans the same opportunities
which their brethren ON the continent b I'D
long enjoyed. The next great exposition
was held III Paris in 1867, just sixteen
years after the nations had confronted
each other in industrial competition. The
Improvements in English exhibits were so
great as to justify their great effort. In
stead of being next to the bottom. as she
was 10 1851, she took an honorable place
among the nations which had SO much
surpassed her. This marvellous advance
so stimulated France, Germany, Belgium
and her osher rivals that they made re-
newed efforts and did better than before.
Proud Albion is never satisfied to be
second anywhere. She sent an intelligent
commission of workmen to Paris to ex-
anime and report. Their examination
showed that she was still behind the test.
Mr.. John Randall, enc of the commission
ers, says: When we come 10 high-cass
Ornamentation in iron, earthenware, china
or glass, the superiority of French art IS
manifest. As long as we con1ne our
selves to geometrical forms in hanmerlng,
pressing, turning on lathes, or printing on
the surface we have no difficulty in hold
ing our own; but where an lntellectuallsm
is required in decoration, our deficiencies
become apparent" Old "John Bull'' was
upon his mettle. He had appraised the
situation correctly. He went little
deeper into his plethoric pocket, founded
more schools and endowed better those
which be had. The museums were en-
larged and extended. Upon the parent
school at South Kensington over So. 00O,-
900 has been expended, and $500, 900 OF
annual endowment assists to run that
school and its branches. The wisdom of
this liberal policy was apparent at the sue
ceeding Paris exposition 1873. The
industrial arts of the flight Little Isle
were again in competition with still more
satisfactory results. She did not need at
that time to hang her head in shame in the
presence of any rival. Her exhibits were
equal to the best. The English porcelain,
made by the Wedgewoods, Wintons, etc.,
is not surpassed either in Dresden or
Paris. In other departments the result
was equally satisfactory. These grand re-
suits are so directly attributable TO the
South Kensington School that the work
ing of this renowned institution should be
given at some length.
AS has already been said, this great
centre of Industrial Education has its |
branches in all parts Of England, accord
ing to the necessity of the locality. As an
educator, IN its own line, it stands without
a rival in the world There is in conDec 1
ton with this great institution scientific
department As this is not SO closely con-
nected with the subject in hand, being of
a very high order. and not having the
popular idea so apparent, I will conine
my remarks to the art schools.
The object of the Department of Art is
to promote instruction In drawing, paint
ing. modelling and designing for arehi-
lecture, manufactures and decorations,
especially among the industrial classes.
To effect this object there are connected
with the department First, A museum.
Second, A National Art Training School;
aid is granted. Third, Toward the train
ing of art teachers. Fourth, Toward in
struction of art 10 art schools. Fifth, To-
ward the teaching of elementary drawing
in elementary day schools.
The Museum contains objects collected
with view TO illustrate the history, theory
and practical application of decorative art
This Museum, which is the largest of its
kind In the world, includes objects classed
as follows.
Division I. Marble and stone work.
Division IL Mosaics.
Division III. Carvings in bone, iron, &c.
Division ~. Woodwork.
Division Y. Metalwork.
Division vi. Coins and medals
Division VII. Arms and armor.
Division VIII. Sflversmith's work.
Division TX. Jewelry.
Division x. Enamels on metals.
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