Various

“ The designing of effective architectural advertisements presents a good field for draughtsmen to cultivate. In both The Brochure Series and the Architectural Review a considerable quantity of such work could be used if it were the right kind. The publishers are in hopes this competition will bring out designs that will serve as a guide to securing special work for which there is a more or less constant demand. If this competition proves successful in bringing out the proper kind of material, others will be arranged for in future, and larger prizes offered. ”

“ There also exists the question of style, which is determined largely by the character of the room in which the piano is to be placed, and yet, if the element of style is forced too far, it prevents the use of the design for any but one case. ”

“ The Miller piano factory has been equipped with every facility for executing work from architects' special designs and within a reasonable cost. The prizes have been offered in the most liberal spirit, and while a large number of the designs submitted were unsatisfactory, they have been instructive and their shortcomings will be borne in mind in preparing the program of another competition, with larger prizes, which will shortly be announced in The Brochure Series. ”

“ No restriction upon the design is made, except that it shall not go beyond these dimensions. Drawings must be made one half larger than the advertisement would be. They are not to bear the designer's name, or any distinguishing device, but a sealed envelope containing his name and address is to be securely attached to the back of the drawing, or of each drawing should a designer submit two or more. They must be in black ink upon white paper, and sent postpaid to the Editor of The Brochure Series, 6 Beacon Street, Boston, Mass. ”

“ The Henry F. Miller Co. have for several years followed a policy the results of which are seen in some of their later designs. It has been the practice to turn special cases over to furniture and cabinet makers, entailing an expense that has been practically prohibitory for all but the richest clients architects have. ”

“ The interior is famous as one of the most beautiful works of color decoration extant. Its general tone is bluish green with mosaic walls and floor and a wooden ceiling decorated in tempera with cufic inscriptions. It is scantily lighted with small windows, giving a rather sombre effect. The best mosaics are in the chancel and apses.
The beautiful ambo is one of its most attractive features. The famous candelabrum of five tiers of figures, at the projecting angle, is of white marble. ”

“ It occupies the most important position in the building, at the head of the monumental staircase, and forms not only a centre of interest aesthetically, but serves as a connecting link between the other features, which have before seemed more or less unrelated. ”

“ In the south, and particularly in Sicily, gold is freely used, but this is lacking in the work of the Cosmati. As a result of this difference in material a wider range of color is possible in the southern mosaics than in those of Rome; and this is especially noticeable in the use of blues, which give much of the character to the beautiful examples shown in our plates, which we regret we cannot reproduce in color. The altar, pulpit, and bishop's throne in the churches of SS. Nerone ed Achille and S. Cesario in Rome may be taken as additional examples. ”

“ The question of decorative color treatment comes up at this time because of the surprising effect which the addition of a little patch of colored wall makes in the whole interior. Even the uneducated, superficial observer is impressed with the feeling of completeness and thoughtful intention in everything connected with the building.
Brochure Series Competition.
Number One. Design for the case of an upright piano. Prizes offered by the Henry F. Miller & Sons Piano Co., Boston. ”

“ Usually publications representing the buildings in which a certain material is used, show good, bad, and indifferent architecture, the good being present in small quantity. The Dexter Bros.' collections show intelligent discrimination, and it is this one thing that makes them worthy of notice. ”

“ The Boynton goods have always ranked high, the company being one of the "old stand-bys" in the heating trade. Satisfactory service in carrying out architects' specifications is made a feature of their business. ”