270 A Book of Precious Stones
but,
as the success of the ornamental metal worker depends quite as much
upon his artistic conceptions and his designs as upon his skill in
execution, the work of the shop must be supplemented by art
instruction. By alternating the character of the problems given to the
students, the applied work shows the inspiration that comes from a
careful study of modelling, ornament, and the principles of design; and
the work in modelling and design shows the adjustment and illumination
that come from constant contact with practical problems
The
courses appeal to two classes of workers; to the apprentice who, by
this instruction, can greatly shorten the period of his
apprenticeship, and who can supplement the technical skill which he
would gain in the shop by the work in drawing, modelling, and design;
also to the art student who is turning his attention to work in the
applied arts. The opening offered to such a man in this field exceeds
that in almost any line of illustrative art work; and the demand for
trained workers in the skilled trades in art applied to metals and the
limited supply of such men make advancement practically assured to an
earnest worker.
The rooms of the department devoted to the
