III. No students can be admitted to these classes until they have passed an examination in freehand drawing of the second grade. Examinations of candidates for admission will be held weekly at the commencement of each term, and at frequent intervals throughout the year. These examinations are held at the school on Tuesdays at 10.30 A.M. and 6.45 P.M. Candidates should bring their own lead pencils and indiarubber. Unsuccessful candidates cannot be re-examined until after a month's interval. The examination fee is 2s. 6d. for day students, and 6d. for evening students, to be paid at the time of examination.
IV. The annual session consists of two terms, each lasting five months, and commencing on the 1st of March and the 1st of October, and ending on the last day of July and the last day of February respectively. One week at Christmas and one week at Easter or Whitsuntide are also vacations. The school is open every week-day except Saturday. Hours of study are—day, 9 to 3.30; evening, 7 to 9. Evening classes for females on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
Classes for modelling have been lately formed at the Lambeth Technical School of Art, 122, Kennington Park Road. Practice in modelling from drapery, the antique, and the human figure nude and draped. On Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, from 7 to 9.30. Fee, 5s. per month.
Modelling from casts of ornaments:—The practice will be adapted to the technical wants of the individual students. This class meets on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, from 6.30 to 9. Fee, 2s. 6d. per month.
There is an annual examination for prizes in all schools of art, and a national competition.
Royal Academy.—Free instruction is given for a period of seven years at the Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, to any one who shows sufficient talent. Applicants for admission must have attained a certain proficiency, and must deliver specimens of their work, with a printed form duly filled in, at the Academy on or before the 28th of June, or the 28th of December, to be submitted to the Council. This form can be obtained from the Registrar through the written request of a member, or some artist or person of known respectability.
The hours of work are from 10 to 3. Students are required to provide their own materials.
Designers.—There is a great demand for skilful and original designers, but only for really clever ones, as so much of the ordinary work is done by pupils. Mr. Sparkes, the head master of the South Kensington School of Art, tells me any one with natural taste and invention can be trained thoroughly in designing, including a knowledge of the human figure, in two years, if willing to work hard; after that time it would be necessary to give some months to become acquainted with the possibilities of the material to be designed for, such as glass, table-linen, cretonnes, dress materials, wall papers, &c. After a few months' study, I should advise pupils to ask their head master's candid opinion as to their chances of success, as he would be better able to tell them than any one else.
Many of the large manufacturers employ designers permanently, at salaries not lower than £100 a year, and in many cases the work can be done at home. The authorities at South Kensington have frequent applications for designers, and recommend the most deserving amongst the students. Before offering designs to manufacturers it is advisable to ascertain what style they require, as sometimes a prejudice is created by unsuitable work being offered, which is never overcome. Many of the large upholsterers employ girls to design furniture. It requires a good knowledge of drawing, including perspective, but not so much talent as other kinds of designing. The salaries vary from 25s. to 30s. a week.
At the Lambeth Technical School of Art, 124, Kennington Park Road, classes for the study of design meet on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings. The course is adapted for the use of all students engaged in the practice of ornamental art, and is specially designed for the use of those occupied in pottery painting and surface decoration. The fee is 2s. 6d. per month, except to those students who have already joined the Art School, who will pay 6d. additional fee.