Like most of the first exhibitions that have been held for the promotion of technical education, the Blacksmiths’ has not been an extensive one. Only twenty-eight exhibitors sent in specimens, and only two dozen of these were competitors. But, if the quantity was small, the quality was good, and, we must say, far exceeded our expectations. Each exhibit was limited in weight to 20 lbs., so that the entire collection was easily arranged upon tables, &c., in the court-room of the Ironmongers’ Company, who had willingly lent their brother-blacksmiths a most interesting apartment, which effectively added to the exhibition.
The exhibits comprised works by apprentices or youths, and works by journeymen—in the former three sections, and two prizes offered in each; in the latter three prizes. The apprentices or youths were in the respective sections not to exceed seventeen, nineteen, or twenty-one years of age, “the work to be pure hammer-work of his own production of any article of ornament or utility.” The journeymen’s work was to be specially “table ornamentation or panel,” the three prizes being 10l., 7l. 10s., and 5l., both apprentices and journeymen to have a certificate of merit in addition. The majority of the exhibitors were of the metropolis, but in a few instances the North, even as far off as Midlothian, sent competitors.
The judges met at Ironmongers’ Hall on Tuesday last to inspect the exhibits, and were in several instances sorely tried, for most of the work sent in was, as we stated, very creditable. The Blacksmiths called to their aid skilled practical craftsmen outside their own body, so that the decisions arrived at must be considered eminently satisfactory. The general public viewed the exhibits on Wednesday and Thursday, and on Friday (yesterday) afternoon the prizes were awarded to the successful competitors in the fine Hall of the Ironmongers in the presence of a numerous company. The following were the successful recipients:—
Apprentices and Youths.
1.—A. Harvey, 33 Marsham Street, Westminster, gas-bracket. First prize, first section, 3l.
2.—Arthur Beaver, 4 Victoria Terrace, Kilburn, electric table-lamp. Second prize, first section, 2l.
3.—J. B. Imison, 31 Rowena Crescent, Battersea, suspending-lamps. First prize, second section, 4l. and medal.
4.—C. Baker, 17 South Wharf Road, Paddington, three-candle bracket. Second prize, second section, 3l.
5.—A. W. Elwood, 9 Kennington Park Gardens, two panels, 40 × 10½. First prize, third section, 5l.
6.—F. Burkitt, 4 Great Suffolk Street, Southwark, three-candle stand. Second prize, third section, 4l. and medal.