The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-12-10

decorations, but such appeal should be made through the subtle influence of the eye and the subconsciously recording mind as to surely awaken in the child an understanding and appreciation of beauty. Unconsciously the child exposed daily to the in fluence of noble expression, whether painting, music, or human character, absorbs untaught and without effort something Of the vitality, life and inspiration that Is breathed upon him.
 This practical value of the cul7 tural side in education has long been neglected.
 Not Neglected Later "The day will come when there will be no question of what must committees will realize that, in neglecting to subconsciously in fluence the child toward apprecia- tion of the beautiful, that they are denying him one of the most mex pensive and best means of filling his mature days with the joy of the world.
 Modern education should be such in influence upon the gentler quali- ties of soul that no che could pass & scene of solemn grandeur without emotions StlFTlHB Tn nlS breast. That thls is not now the case is only too evident. The majority of people lGok up to the sky merely for signs of the weather. The vast panorama of cloud and sun is played out each day to a needless and in- different world. Greater effort must be made to render the class room a more inspiring place in which to live.
 The cash to. beautify modern classroom walls is necessarily con- siderable. if fine reproductions of the works of the masters is obtained in color. and not in cartoons. The re- suits therefore should actually deco rate, and in such a way that the ef- feet upon the child is educational. Naturally excellent taste, some Knowledge of art, history and the nature of childhood is absolutely necessary in deciding such matters. Extremes or extravaganza in deco rations should be carefully avoided . also too great a variety. In choos- ing figures consider the size of .vari- ous wall-spaces, framing, proper hanging, as well as choice and quali- ty of subpect.
 Decorations
 
 school room interiors are. artistic vases, tiles. fine textiles used as cur tains or simple backgrounds. Win dow boxes and flowers are splendid to enliven a quiet toned room with color These objects may minister lasting Service to the child. Thanks be that through the good influence of art magazines, school and other publications and trained teachers, the old time inartistic engravfngs of great men, busts> of the poets and wall borders of spelling and writing papers are rapidly disappearing, and objects of beauty taking their places. Where written work or notices are displayed. neat bulletin board are coming into evidence. Boards of cdu- cation and school architects are care- fully considering such matters. Thus modern school rooms are becoming places of delightful resorts for the school children who spend half of the day growing within their walls,
 "In decorating school walls. avoid browns and cold grays which are dull and repressing. They have mo. place in school buildings, which should be bright. sunny and cheery. Reject wall papers with large fig ures. They are not good back grounds for pictures and are restless and disturbing in their influences Soft. creamy yellows and tones of yellow buff are best for schools. They give the effect of sunshine. If the wall is uneven. small invisible all-over pattern may be better than plain paper, providing the effect is plain and pattern not noticeable.
 Painted walls are best and most sanitary, since they can be- washed. But they are more expensive"