Page:Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal, Volume 1, 1869.djvu/732

 590 The Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal. [Mar., come down to the simple article of matches, housekeepers would still have recourse to the old tinder-box, with flint and steel, were it not for the rapid ad- vances we have made, and the cultiva- tion of those intellectual attainments which project and perfect improvements in tools and machinery. We must admit, however, that while art and science have taken by the hand, and led forward, almost every branch of mechanism, that of Ornamentation was long neglected, and left to pursue the old beaten track, far in the rear of others. And yet, no more useful — no more ne- cessary — convenience pertains to home comfort. From the building of Solo- mon's Temple, to the present time, orna- mentation has been inseparable from every ancient or modern structure of note. The humblest cot, the proudest mansion, the largest hall, are alike in- complete without its aid. To the critical eye, a bird without feathers, an animal without hair, or a man without apparel, would be no more repulsive, than a house destitute of ornaments, or those pleasing reliefs executed by the carver's handiwork. Within the last twenty years, much more attention lias been paid to this art than formerly. The many new styles of architecture, and the great competi- tion has brought out a proportionate number of new ornamental patterns. Architects have, of late, given more at- tention to the effect they produce, and have become more earnest in their efforts to establish a harmony in their applica- tion. A correct taste is as essential in this department, as that required to finish a lady's toilette. There is a cer- tain standard of grace and beauty to be attained with one as well as with the other. One great improvement in ornamenta- tion, may be attributed to the Dague;- rean and the photographic arts, it is needless to say, that looking-glass and picture-frames are an important branch of the carving business. The various devices required by popular taste for these ornaments, created an extensive demand, and the improvements leading to increased facilities for taking ' : sun- p'ctnrcs" of the " human face divine," of all sizes, increased that demand. Again, the inventive genius of the age was taxed to meet it, and not in vain. The superior style and finish of every description of moulding is apparent to eveiy observer. This has been brought about b}' the introduction of machinery adapted to the purpose, without which, it would be almost impossible to satisfy the wants of the public. In fact, the absence of these facilities would, ere this, have placed these luxuries (for such we consider them), beyond the reach of all persons of moderate means ; but now their cheapness renders them accessible to all. A short history of the rise and pro- gress of Ornamentation, and how it ob- tained its present perfection, may not be uninteresting to the readers of The Architectural Review and American Builders' Journal — the writer natu- rally supposing, that the patrons of that periodical take an equal interest, with himself, in all that develops the intel- lectual and material resources of the country. Up to 1848, it was the custom to have workshops in the lear of looking-glass and picture-frame stores; where mould- ings were worked out of the pine lum- ber by hand ; using a plane and a few other tools. This was a distinct me- chanical branch, which gave employ- ment to quite a large number of work- men ; and apprentices were regularly indentured to learn the trade. The frames and moulding were whitened by hand ; and the preparation for gilding- was considered quite a difficult task. It was necessary to apply several coats of this preparation to get a sufficient body to resist the burnishing, and to prevent its having a damaging effect on the gold-leaf. Furaice-stone, of reversed shape to the members, was used to