VILLAGE EXHIBITIONS.
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sin,—Your readers may like to know how much local interest can be aroused in country villages by holding Loan Collections of Curios. In the district from which I write we are trying to raise funds for a much-needed Village Hall. As a variation to the ever-popular whist drive, my husband and I attempted to arrange a Loan Exhibition in our own house. In the course of a few days we collected from rectory, hall and cottage about 150 exhibits, which filled two large rooms. The enclosed catalogue gives some idea of the nature and diversity of the articles, but the value and beauty of many of them was se considerable that it was almost a relief when they were safely restored to their owners. One of the most interesting items was brought in by the gardener at the last moment ; it was an ancient home-made sword, belonging to a friend of his. The owner said he had it from his grandfather, but he did not know its previous history. The blade was straight and short, but calculated to be very serviceable ; the scabbard was of leather, hand-sewn and very worn ; the cross hilt was of rough wood, but with a star-shaped jewelled () ornament that was very puzzling ; a military expert suggested that it was Indian in origin. Various china teapots and cream jugs shown all " belonged to my grandmother " ; many of the specimens were very good, though hardly any had pottery marks. The number of beautiful old shawls suggested that with very little trouble it would be possible to hold an exhibi- tion entirely of textiles. Two out of three old samplers were excellent specimens, and there was some first-rate old lace. The attendance was good, and we voted on the best exhibit ; the prize was taken by a remarkable piece of Jacobean needle- work, but it was run hard by the tankard of carved ivory and wonderfully decorated shoe horn belonging to the last Abbot of Glastonbury.
Much discussion centred round a picture of " Our Village," drawn one hundred years ago, showing the old stocks and the pinfold, standing near the village pump. If any assurance was needed as to the interest aroused it was given by the schoolmistress, who proffered a handsome donation and begged to be allowed to bring the schoolchildren before the collection was dispersed. I hesitated for a moment for fear of accidents, but there proved no cause for anxiety. At 9 a.m. next day sixty youngsters marched in, having changed their shoes outside the house. Their behaviour was perfect, and their absorbed attention, as we explained the various curios, was ample compensation for any little trouble we had taken.
Incidentally our Village Hall Fund profited by upwards of £15, no small sum to raise among a population of 400 persons. Such an exhibition might be held in every village in the country, and would greatly stimulate interest in local history and in the formation of village museums.—I am, Sir, &c., Isanm. C. ELLIS. Church Leys, Rearsby, Leicestershire.
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