MATERIAL REVIEW.
SOME MEDALS.
Ix order to confute a recent ',statement in the Spectator to the effect that the art of medal striking was practically extinct in England, some examples and a catalogue of the work of Messrs. Thomas Fattorini, Birmingham, have been submitted for review. Only the variations in the definitions of the word " art " could enable anyone to say that these medals disprove the statement.
I have tried my hardest to discover one good quality in them ; but, with the exception of the metal in which they are struck, I have been quite unsuccessful. Even in this respect I should prefer to purchase half-crowns for presentation purposes. The half-crowns are considerably better in design. These medals, unfortunately, are awarded for merit in sport and in other pursuits, and may be accepted as meritorious in themselves. It can be argued that they appeal to the class for which they are intended, but I am inclined to think that the majority of sportsmen are so engrossed in their own form of expression that a medal of better design could be presented without its having any untoward effect on either the recipient or his friends. To describe these medals particularly is futile. Suffice it to say that they recall the art adorning roundabouts and brides' cakes. When they are not extravagant in design, their simplicity is just meagreness. Even the workmanship I consider to be slipshod. Of course, they are cheap ; but they are so consistently bad that this consistency gives them a ludicrous fascination, and makes one wonder why the designer, even if only by accident, has failed to strike a good design occasionally.
A medal has also been sent by Mr. A. F. Shepherd, the Appeal Director of the Wolverhampton General Hospital. It has been struck in commemoration of the visit of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales to the hospital. Mr. A. E. Cox, the well-known artist, is the designer, while the striking has been executed by the Birmingham Medal Company. This example is very definitely and clearly struck. On each side is a design of two symbolical figures, with simple Roman lettering. The figures are accurately modelled, but the lack of metallic treatment in them suggests the conception of the painter rather than that of the medal designer. The drapery, too, in its confusion of forms has not the severity of technique demanded by the bronze medium. The general design of the whole,
however, is pleasing. W. McCAricE.
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