27 MAY 1899, Page 23

It was a very good idea to issue An Illustrated

.Record, 1897, compiled by John Fisher (Chapman and Hall, 10s.), consisting of reproductions of the prize works in the national competitions of the South Kensington schools. The range is very great,—all kinds of applied art are represented, whether wall-papers, coal-scuttles, or decorative painting. As is to be expected in the work of students, the originality is not remarkable. Well-known fashions in design are to be seen everywhere. But on the whole the style is good, and this is the important thing, as when originality comes with freedom from schools the style has already been formed to carry it out worthily. The great hope is that the manufacturers will allow this precious originality room to expand, and not stifle it with "the shop."