1921.] 



Dorsetshire Arts and Crafts. 



633 



design, demonstrating and pointing out when designs are faulty, 

 and not permitting them to be carried into effect until perfected. 

 They make their goods — as far as possible — from start to finish, 

 procuring the raw material, hides, &c., and going through the 

 different processes until the finished article is produced, thereby 

 instilling the pride of creation and achievement, as in the old 

 days, before a manufactured article was dissected and allocated 

 to different departments, so becoming a co-operative production. 

 The Studland class has to work hard to keep pace with the orders 

 which pour in from the home country and abroad, including 

 America, China, Australia and New Zealand. Mr. Berens feels 

 that nothing equals exhibitions for fruitful advertisement. 



The Dorset Eush Industry at Blandford is very prosperous; 

 many of the workers are now receiving weekly pay and a bonus 

 on sales, which in the last year amounted to £159 6s. Orders 

 could be accepted for mats in any number, kneelers, dog baskets, 

 wind screens, &c. This industry has been taught in several 

 Women's Institutes; much good and artistic work is turned out 

 from them, finding a ready sale in our Dorset Arts and Crafts 

 and other exhibitions. Permanent dyes for rush work, similar 

 to those used in the bright and attractive mats made in Holland, 

 are very much needed. 



One of our oldest classes led to the establishment of the sun- 

 bonnet industry of Bloxworth. In this small village, an immense 

 variety of sunbonnets is produced by the workers, in patterns 

 and shapes of every nationahty. They travel far, parcels being 

 sent to India, America. Australia, South Africa, and Sweden. 

 This industry has brought much pleasure and profit to those 

 engaged in it; during the last year the not inconsiderable sum 

 of £145 was taken in private sales and at exhibitions, the former 

 mostly being the outcome of the latter. 



Home-made dolls and toys — mostly of the soft variety — are 

 made in some of the Tillage Institutes. These find a ready 

 sale. Novelties in this line and a greater variety would be wel- 

 comed. 



There is further always a large quantity of basket and really 

 good raffia work done in Dorsetshire. 



The Annual Exhibition. — Our annual exhibition included 

 about 3,000 exhibits, and the judges had a very busy time. 

 The general standard was said to have improved greatly since 

 last year, especially in the case of ornamental needlework, while 

 the lace (both Filet and Honiton") was far above the average. 

 Needlework done by children in various elementary schools was 

 much commended. 



