Fig 57
We illustrate, Figure [57], a booth for exhibition purposes which embodies some of the main decorative ideas in use. This is built independent of any pillars or beams of the building in which it may be used, but frequently a booth is so situated that part of the building proper is incorporated in its construction.
AUSTRIAN SHADES. SEE ARTICLE “WINDOW SHADES AND BLINDS” BEGINNING ON PAGE [39].
In all cases where goods are exhibited for commercial purposes, the size, shape and appearance of the materials exhibited should guide in the construction of the booth. Our illustration shows only one exposure of the booth which is repeated on all four sides. The corners are columns made like Figures [40A and 40B], capped with plaster crowns. The roof is made on a shaped frame covered in the same manner as the globe Figure [41]. The arches are curved pieces of wood covered with velvet, and radiating from the corners to the arches are spirals of twisted ribbon or colored crêpe tissue paper. The drapery illustrated is a simple reversed scarf drapery made as explained in the chapter on scarf draperies. The lower portion of the booth shows three methods of paneling. The first one on the left is made of one piece of material with a circular piece taken out of the centre. The piece taken out is equal to about one-quarter of the width of the panel and the material gathered and fastened in the centre as illustrated by Figure [58]. After that it is stretched into pleats to the edges.
The centre panel is a quick and effective method of covering space. The background is first covered plain, then commencing at the floor or bottom of paneling stretch the goods out its full width and tack the end of it at A—B, Figure [57]. Tie a small piece of the goods loosely around this at what will be about the middle when it is pulled up. Then proceed to stretch up the top and tack it along. Draw it out to the same width as the bottom and pull out all the wrinkles, so that it pleats nicely each way from the tied part. After it is tacked in place adjust the tying to the exact middle and proceed the same with the next one.
To make the right hand panel, alternate colors of material are bunched and tacked in the centre of the space and stretched to the outer edge, keeping the dividing lines square and true.
The designs and instructions that we have given are sufficient when variously combined and assembled for almost any decorative requirement. The main things to bear in mind are balance or symmetry, neatness, and color harmony; a proper consideration of these points will result in a satisfactory trim.
For interior work the decorator is limited only by his price in his selection of material; but sometimes the best effects are obtained without the use of more expensive fabrics than those previously mentioned. Next in the order of values are sateen, cashmere, velours, satin and silk, in plain fabrics, and the endless variety of damasks, brocades, etc.