REPORT OF MR. HINTON.
107
There were many similar instances scattered through the whole Austrian Section. Indeed it would be hard to find a single handicraft, where taste is needed, that had not been benefited, directly or indirectly, by this influence. These are practical illustrations of good effected, that can be appreciated by any one who understands that an improvement in industrial art means an improvement in the community and an increase of the value of the work performed.
To give even a brief resume of the models, etc., exhibited by the Vienna Museum in Group XXII., would be to turn this Report into something very like a catalogue.
The literary Art publications, either written by members of the faculty or under the direct encouragement of the Museum authorities, occupy the first place on the list. The writing and spreading abroad of works upon the Application of Art to Industry, upon Taste, upon Study, and kindred themes, is one among the many useful labors performed fiy the Museum of Arts applied to Industry. These works numbered thirty-five.
There were, also, nearly four hundred gypsum models, beside galvanaplastic impressions, photographs and specimen copies of students’ work.
The Vienna Museum may be said to be one result of the influence of the idea that gave rise to the South Kensington Museum. Herr Jacob Falke, keeper of the Austrian Museum of Art and Industry, in his History of Modern haste (Geschichte d£s Modernen Geschmacks), writes as follows on this point:—
“ When the works of industry of all nations were brought together at the first London Exhibition, in 1851, the deplorable state of taste was made palpable to the perception of all those who would and could see. .'.... There was only one nation wise enough to take to heart so important a lesson, and proceed
a t once to turn it to account—the English.A
Museum of Art Industry, that of South Kensington, was then founded.* This Museum, therefore, must be considered as a result °f the experiences made at the first International Exhibition. It
has now become celebrated through all countries. It was not
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* This is not quite correct, as the Museum was first established in Marlborough
ouse, now the residence of the Prince of Wales.