OR, The Turn Out. 



153 



SADDLERS' SHOPS. 



^^lONSIDERINa the variety of 

 ^/HM ^^^ ^^® diversity of colours to 



articles 

 to be met 

 with in the Saddlery and Saddlers Iron- 

 mongery Trade, wonder has often been 

 expressed that saddlers* shops do not 

 present a more attractive appearance. 

 In this respect they seem, as a rule, far 

 behind the age. Of course there are in 

 this, as in every other case, honourable 

 exceptions ; but still it must be admitted 

 that, generally speaking, a saddler's shop 

 presents a very dull contrast to either a 

 draper's, or even an ironmonger's establishment. Now, why 

 should it be so ? The various coloured leathers used in 

 modern saddlery are as bright and lively as are those of the 

 choicest silks ; and if displayed to advantage, and inter- 

 spersed with made-up articles, plated-goods, gold and silver 

 spurs, and ornaments — such as harness mountings — a very 

 pleasing effect vs^ould be produced ; and where there is room 

 the whole might be rendered more attractive by equestrian 

 models, in military uniforms, riding habits, and hunting 

 costumes. The addition of hand and travelling bags, purses, 

 and other fancy goods, would enhance the display, and 

 impart an important feature to the stock. Horse cloths, 

 rugs, and railway wrappers, might also be displayed in a 

 manner that would be attractive ; instead of being, as they 

 may sometimes be seen, piled in a heap like a lot of soiled 

 linen ready for the wash. Drapers know better how to show 

 off their goods to advantage. They have lay figures, on 

 which their dresses, shawls, jackets, and wraps, are artistically 

 and gracefully displayed. Why should not saddlers do the 

 same ? For instance, why should not these two lay figures — 

 one representing a lad}^, the other a gentleman, occupying 

 the compartment of a railway carriage, with their wraps, 

 rugs, and bags, all displayed to the best advantage, as for a 

 journey ? Such figures would be an excellent substitute for 

 those live mechanics, sometimes found occupying the princi- 

 pal and prominent positions in saddlers' front shops. 



