Connecticut western news., 1895-01-03
BRITISH DECORATIVE ART.
It Has Suffered a Marked Decline Durir
 Recent Years.

It Has Suffered a Marked Decline During
 Recent Years.
 The decorative branches of the pot ter's art are probably those which have received the least attention of those who arc frequently writing upon other de- partments of the craft. It would seem that the exploits of the thrower, the achievements of the turner and the handicraft of the presser have for them the greater attraction. Yet the finished work of these artisans plays but small part in the general commercial world of buyers. These latter gentry look not only for form, but for decoration of some kind or another upon which their customers may feast their eyes
 Unadorned white or ivory is not con- sidered by them, like nature, adorned the most; hence they ask for printed, gilded and painted goods. And in these departments there have been in late years many changes, of which it may prove interesting to take note. There is no longer the wide demand for classical subjects or for rural scenes that used to exist. A simple, towering spray, few
 
 some kind or other or bird fixed upon a piece of bamboo work satisfies the gen. eral public. And this kind of work, we are told, can be produced by workman who has but little skill in his art. If this is so, it is to be regretted, but we give the opinion as expressed by past master of the art.
 Then the cost of such productions is small, and one plate engraving will serve to decorate not only complete dinner service, but also tea and toilet service. Alas for the art as practioed but few years agoi Another depart ment of decorative art which has suf- fered of late in its prestige is that of the glider. He used to be an artist of no mean repute, as many of the old dinner, tea and dessert sets will prove. How rich was his treatment in gold on vari. ous devices and patterns and how proud our sires used to be of his workl
 In the days we are speaking of the glider was an important factor in the decorating shop of any respectable man. ufacturer, and his art had many follow CTS. His occupation is, however, for the most part gone, excepting in few of our principal manufactures, where the highest specimens of the potter's craft are produced.
 Yet, it may be said how, then, do you account for the large quantity of gilded ware now seen in the marketsi Easily enough. It is not the work of the male artist, but of young women ,,r1o lr ly low wage as compared with the male. Then, again, it is not, for the greater part, the "old English" gold you see upon the ware, but an imitation known as "bronze," but which is not of a dura- ble nature. But these changes in the struggle for wealth and not for art, it is to be presumed, must be endured, al. though in the end we pay dearly fol them. The position of the male artist is again usurped by the competitive de- mand for cheapness in the painting de partment, though we. do not think to the same extent as his fellow worker, the glider.
 Yet it is difficult for many first class painters to find constant employment, owing to the demand which has been fostered for cheap painted ware. A daub to represent flower or foliage is deemed sufficient, and hence good paint. ing is not so sought after-only upon expensive artware-as it used to be. But a change may be expected and is sure to come in 8 claim for better art. ware with an increasing trade, and then the art workman to whom we have re. ferred may possibly reap an advantage, British Pottery Gazette