Modern Homes. Described and Illustrated by T. Raffies D avison. (G.
Bell and Sons. 15s. not.)—This is a very handsome volume, full of interesting and useful matter, not to speak of the artistic element, which is, of course, prominent. One great difficulty which the architect has to face is that of harmonising this artistic element with what is the main purpose of the home, the furnishing of a place in which to live. If any °n° will compare the modern almshouse where the architect has been thinking of his own reputation and not of the old people's comfort with an eighteenth- or seventeenth-century building, he will 600 what wo meap,—there are most instructive specimens of both to be soon at Richmond, Surrey. "Those outside chimneys are terrible cold," said an old dweller in a very elegant almshouse to the author of this volnine. Of course most people look, or can look, after themselves ; and if they suffer themselves to be eXP1Olted, it is their own fault. The after-relations between architects and their clients are not always as amicable as they Might be.
Previous page
