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"ENGLISH COTTAGE FURNITURE "
less than what they appear-and of
how many products of our modern fac-
tories and workshops can we say as
much ?
  Surely the effect of this type of fur-
nishing upon the people themselves must
be definitely beneficial. In the cottage
of the average English family, for in-
stance, what could be more suited to the
home life than these simple pieces?
Aside from their practical qualities, the
atmosphere of repose and charm which
they impart must be infinitely better in
its influence than an environment of
ornate and unsuitable objects which
would only stimulate a feeling of snob-
bishness and insincerity. Such work as
that shown here seems to emphasize the
dignity of labor, the imperative need of
thoroughness and beauty, a relation of
friendliness between the workman and
his work. And as society discards old
prejudices for bigger truths, and learns
to readjust the existing conditions be-
tween capital and labor, substituting
co6peration for competition and putting
work on a new and better basis, this kind
of furniture must come to be recognized as
an aid toward the establishment of the right
"COTTAGE" BOOKCASE AND MIRROR.
           CORNER OF DINING ROOM FURNISHED
           WITH "NEW ENGLISH" FURNITURE
home surroundings and a factor in the un-
conscious molding of the characters of those
for whose daily use it is intended.
  When these pictures were submitted to us
to show what is being done in England
along these lines, they Were accompanied by
a note suggesting that it would be well if
our American manufacturers could follow
in this path and construct a similar quality
of furniture for the mass of people who
want beautiful things without great ex-
pense. This suggestion is particularly inter-
esting to THE CRAFTSMAN, for on careful
examination of the photographs we dis-
covered that not only were they designed
on Craftsman principles, but the very details
of our construction have been followed, with
a result that is as charming as one could
wish. On the whole, the coincidence is one
which affords us immense satisfaction and
encouragement, and we are only too glad to
find that on both sides of the ocean our work
is finding favor because it is based on sound
principles and has its root in the real needs
and lives of the people.
  After all, the responsibility of encourag-
ing the manufacture and use of good furni-
ture throughout this or any other country
lies only in part with the manufacturers
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