»REPORT OF MR. HINTON.
127
The leading architects of Vienna—most of whom are connected with the Art and Industry Museum—furnish many of the manufacturers engaged in the bronze trade with designs, so that the articles made after them harmonize "with the buildings into which they are to be fitted. This course enables the Viennese to compete w r ith the best French houses, as was shown at the Exposition. It was there evident to all who attempted the comparison that Austria had made rapid strides tow T ard reaching the artistic plane long ago attained by the French, and beyond which the latter do not seem to advance.
The many little nick-nacks made of bronze, and known as "Articles of Vienna,” have very often combined in them fine woods, leather, paper, mother of pearl and jpapier mâché.
This development of the bronze and leather trade has not taken place without exerting an influence upon the higher branches of artistic book-binding, which has likewise been peculiarly improved.
It is noticeable that the development of one artistic idea, applied to industry, is sure to beget others in rapid succession, if the ground be but favorable for their growth. The manufacture of portrait albums, ornamental covers for diplomas, books, etc., calls for, besides the leather material, gilding, bronze, jewels, enamels and ivory. Workers in all these different materials are found in Vienna, as competent, if not more so, than those elsewhere, working cheerfully, "day in, day out,” for wages which wrnuld here be deemed miser- a bly small.. Indeed, it does seem strange that they should continue there, when this country would be glad of their help, and willing to pay treble what they now get for their labor.
England has, in the past, given us a useful hint on this point. When she could secure a good workman, with special artistic skill, from the Continental countries of Europe, by paying extra for his services, she did so ; the result produced Was counted and sold as English work, and this practice insensibly educated the native artificer and designer by the new blood infused into the veins of their industry.
It is to be expected that the Jewellers’ Art would be fostered in Vienna, as it is in every Catholic country in a