The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1894-03-18
OUR ART INDUSTRIES.
The Result of Frenchman's Inyestigation
In America.

The following article appeared not
long since in the Paris Figaro:
The article summarizes the results of
an investigation made under the authority
Of the French government into the con-
dition OF the art industries OF the United
States, the remarkable development OF
which during the last few years hos, as
will be SEEN aroused very lively inter-
est in this country.
Mr. Victor Champier, who, upon the
occasion Of the Exposition at Chicago,
was charged by the Minister Of Public
instruction and the Fine Arts to make a
personal investigation into the condition
Of the industrial arts and the organiza-
ton of schools of art in the United
States, has returned 10 Paris.
He brings from his visit 10 the principal
cities Of the United States numerous
documents Of the most lively interest from
the point OF view of French art industries.
He visited most OF the industrial schools
which during the last ten years have been
established with incredible activity in all
parts Of the United States by virtue Of
the generosity Of a, multitude of donors.
Millions Of dollars have been provided
for the establishment Of these schools by
wealthy American manufacturers and
amateurs, who are making colossal
effort TO create in their country a cur
rent OF original art, so that they may
speedily surpass the productions import
ed from Europe. and rival French taste.
Already there are in America indus
tries in which progress has been at
tanned with a rapidty really cminOus for
the future Of the French market. In
gold and silver ware in jewelry, and in
plate glass, the American artists rave
exhibited a real originality and perfection
Of workmanship which is not exceeded by
our best lubricants. In wall paper, IN
wood work in furniture, they produce
novel effects, due 20 the very ingenious
processes which they have Invented.
Wrought iron is with the Americans very
much used and they excel in all articles
in the production OF which both manual
labor and machinery are employed. Terra
Gotta has had during the last five or six
wears an extraordinary development
among them, and it is Of this material
that most Of the external ornaments or
their buildings are composed.
Mr.. Victor Champier has studied the
production in various departments or
Industrial art In America with special
care. because it is a. very serious matter
from the point Of view of French inter
ests Indeed. in order TO retain the mar
ket which our artistic products have
until the present time so largely found
I'm the New World IS 1t not urgent that
France shall make efforts commensurate
with those Of her American competitors;
IL is certain that we have much 10 do II
we do not wish at our next universal
exposition in 1900 TO be distanced in more
than one point. French lubricants, take
notice.
A number Of chambers Of commerce,
notably that OF Lyons. requested Mr..
Victor Champier 10 supplement the IN
teresting mission with which he was
charged by the French government by
making special reports on technical SUD
jects. Mr.. Champier encountered every
where-at New York, as at Philadelphia,
at Boston as at Chicago, in the Industrial
centres Of Cincinnati, Of Pittsburg' OF
Baltimore, OF Providence, of Patterson,
of Yonkers. and OF Grand Rapids-a
most courteous and hattering welcome.
I'VE owe TO France all that We have
accomplished" said the artists 10 him;
..i. is the least we can do 10 open freely
to YOU the doors Of our workshops"
Among the numerous specimens OF
American art work brought by Mr.. Cham
pier. we may mention curious samples OF
pottery fragments of kaolln from ONO
as white and pure as those OF Limoges;
also some very beautiful vases, the pro-
ducts of lockwood. All these OBJECTS
have been offered to the museum or the
Sevres mandatory.