Modern Tendencies in Furnishing
THERE seemed a possibility some years ago that Messrs. Heal and Son, having established a definite style (a little " cottagey " perhaps—but how sound and refreshing at the time of its emergence !), might stick fast in it themselves, progressing no further. Perhaps it was just the difficulties of the post-War period that accounted for this ; but, at any rate, it has been obvious for sonic time now that nothing of the kind was hap- pening. And if further disproof were needed, no evidence could be more convincing than their present exhibition of " Modem Tendencies " in furniture and decoration, which remains open until the end of October. I should like to send there all those who gibe at the modem idiom—and let them see how far from the operating theatre " even steel furniture can be when used with proper discrimination. Not that there is nothing but metal to be seen : on the contrary, there is some beautiful cabinet work—notably a most successful sideboard in ebonized mahogany, lined with sycamore, and a wardrobe with blue and silver cellulosed stipple. Lighting fitments show an increasing tendency towards simplicity and unobtrusiveness, as they should, Here one may compare the relative virtues of glass, monel-metal, duralumin and wood (cellulosed or not) for table-tops, and the comfort of metal- framed chairs—all displayed with their proper adjuncts. And I think 1 am right in saying that everything is British.
G. M. B.
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