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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 13, Issue 2 (May 2, 1938.)

British Industries Fair at Earl's Court and Olympia

British Industries Fair at Earl's Court and Olympia.

“Trade buyers are admitted during the day, and the general public crowds the fair at night. It is a far more dignified affair than our Winter Shows, as there are no amusement booths or barkers crying their wares.

“Well, the various sections were so large that I gave up all thought of ‘doing’ the affair in its entirety, and decided to walk briskly about at random, noting things that might be of interest.

“I went first through the furniture section. My impression is that very light finishes are not as popular as they have been. In bedroom furniture, the most beautiful designs were in walnut. Most suites seemed to include a man's dressing chest. For a boudoir, I saw a toilet table with mirrored top. The lid lifts up for use and discloses toilet accessories.

“The upholstered suites, many of them with a rather small chesterfield, showed the new ‘plume’ effect in the back padding. One suite had a semi-circular back shape in chesterfield and chairs, and wood was inset in the arms and base. Still another suite was of washable hide.

“I saw cocktail cabinets, almost of buffet size, of extravagant shapes and with elaborate glass fronts and interior fittings. Ugly things they were. So too could be the glass and metal light-shades simulating old lanterns if they were used in the wrong environment.

“Dining tables are interesting. One, when a leaf was opened, disclosed a cutlery box. The two leaves opened out with the underside, plain-surfaced so that it does not mark with hot dishes on top. There was some beautiful period furniture. I particularly like the Queen Anne suites with their graceful tables with rounded ends and two pedestal feet.