"Those who duly consider the influence of the _fine-arts_ on the
_human mind_, will not think it a small benefit to the world, to
diffuse their productions as wide, and preserve them as long as
possible. The multiplying of copies of fine work, in beautiful
and durable materials, must obviously have the same effect in
respect to the arts as the invention of printing has upon
literature and the sciences: by their means the principal
productions of both kinds will be forever preserved, and will
effectually prevent the return of ignorant and barbarous ages."

JOSIAH WEDGWOOD: Catalogue of 1787.

One of the most joyful obligations in life should be the planning and
executing of BEAUTIFUL HOMES, keeping ever in mind that distinction is
not a matter of scale, since a vast palace may find its rival in the
smallest group of rooms, provided the latter obeys the law of _good
line, correct proportions, harmonious colour scheme and
appropriateness_: a law insisting that all useful things be beautiful
things.




THE ART OF INTERIOR DECORATION




CHAPTER I