Evening star., 1934-05-06


flee, Bureau of Yards and Docks, Navy Depart
ment, Veterans Administration and supervising
architects Office, Treasury Department. 1t Is
not always realized that the Government of the
United States, in the field of architecture is
one of the greatest patrons of art that the world
has known, spending colossal sums in building
operations. not merely here. but throughout
the country. Within recent years the charac-
ter and quality of this building has been greatly
improved. Some of this improvement is doubt
less due to general improvement in taste, put
much Of it may be gratefully attributed to the
Federal architects of these several Offices AS
previously noted the rubber stamp is no longer
n use for Government buildings. To the con-
trary, climatic conditions, local tradition and
use seem to be duly considered and influential
in determining design. There are those who
complain that We have no national style in
art, but it is also true that We no longer erect
copies of Greek temples post Offices nor OF
medieval castles as officers quarters Apparently,
have acquired understanding of fitness and
adoption to use.
This exhibition comprised however not only
official but private work and what is more.
play-work produced in leisure hours. There
were included in the catalogue some excellent
water colors. outstanding among which were
two by L. Morris Leisenring the ELIAS Boudi-
not Caldwell House." formerly on Capitol Hill,
and bit Of the coast of Kennebunkport Me-,
and one, Donkey and Cart" by Oswaldo de Ia
Rosa.
There were pen and ink drawings. interest,"
ing and clever by Joseph Hale Darby and J.
A. Parks; etchings skillfully rendered by Howard
A. Page, who also showed in water color de-
lightful pictorial maps of THE Chesapeake
Region" and The Virginia Peninsular" F. A.
Elliott contributed group of Is silhouettes of
his fellow architects. c. w. Mead's etchings Of
architectural subjects were notable for merit,
as were William A. Lockards decorative flower
paintings on black backgrounds. E. E. Dawes
very original designs in color for the Quarter
master Review covers pencil sketches by John
c. Bell and photograph of the Lincoln Statue
in the Memorial. very well lighted by F. JOAN
mini. Beside which there two or three
very interesting examples of cabinet work-a
grandfathers clock made OF walnut from an old
bed by Karl Schmidt and small dressing table,
with separate mirror stand, in Hepplewhire
style, Of inlaid mahogany, wrought with the
perfection of skill in detail by Julian Brown.
Prizes of books on architecture for the best
sketches and medal of honor to entrants whose
drawings showed outstanding merit were award
ed by a jury of architects as follows: L. M.
Lesenring, Joseph Parks Harry Cunningham,
Louis Justeman and Norris L Crandal
NF VERY real art interest were the two
model rooms containing handmade furni-
ture from one of the subsistence homestead ex-
perimental centers in West Virginia which
were set up and on view in the Department Of
Commerce Building last week This furniture
produced by unframed workmen in a mining
district was from old designs such as our early
settlers used and still most appropriate for
farmsteads, and it was extremely well made
and attractive. Hand-woven bedspreads and
rugs women's work. added to the general effect
of intimacy and homely comfort. Surely
nothing could better serve to cultivate good
taste among working people than the produc-
ton and of such household utilities
these in which beauty and fitness were ad-
mirably united. And fancy the pride of the
makers as we'll as the satisfaction of the users.
Although small. and simple, the rooms them
selves were examples of taste. well arranged,
livable and charming Adjacent to these rooms
were shown at the same time on the walls Of
a nearby hall, drawings of little homesteads
designed for various centers, inexpensive.
capable Of expansion, well adapted to farm life
and very picturesque. If, indeed, art can so
be put to use. it will need no defense in the
future and very much less exposition, for thus
it becomes a part of everyday life, changing
its complexion, Strengthening its character
and embellishing. More power to those who
are developing wisely and well these sub
sistence homesteads in industrial districts with
art knowledge, but without art propaganda!
THE exhibition of sketches and models of
sculpture for garden settings held last
week in the studio of the Hill. School, was
most attractive. There were nymphs and elfs,
wall fountains and shrines set forth in mina-
ture with imitation landscape backgrounds of
which the sculpture became part. The work
was by Clara Hill. who has attained special
distinction in this field and her pupils, and
it displayed the imaginative touch and a well
come note of gayety.