The art of decorating dry goods windows and interiors

ODD FELLOWS ARCH.

The accompanying illustration is an arch erected in honor of the order of Odd Fellows, and is a clever conception well carried out. The three links were puffed over a heavy cardboard and edged with twisted draping cord. The arch also was panelled with this cord. The letters “F. L. T.” were suspended within the links by invisible wires. As this arch was in connection with an excellent display it attracted much attention and assisted to sell many goods.

A holiday interior pyramid is here shown. Such a display in a store during the busy season is sure to win trade.

AN ORIENTAL DISPLAY.

We reproduce on the next page four views of an oriental display recently made in the windows of John Wanamaker, of New York City, by Leon F. Rubens.

The conditions unfortunately prohibited taking a satisfactory photograph, as the trim occupied the space of four panes, widely divided by architectural iron work. The problem of a successful display was thereby complicated somewhat, as it was really necessary to make four separate “pictures,” having the effect of one when seen from across the street. Mr. Wanamaker’s windows are of ancient style, set high up and being very narrow.

In a window containing entirely oriental goods the richness of coloring is one of the main attractions, and in a photographic reproduction this gorgeousness of color effect is entirely lost; still one can imagine, in looking at the pictures of this display, that the color harmony must have been fully equal to the masterly arrangement of the goods.

No very expensive goods were used, and the trim is constructed without framework or special fixtures.

UNIQUE RUG DISPLAY.

A very artistic arrangement of rugs is shown. A series of large tubes were made of carpet paper, and over them were pinned rugs of various sizes. These tubes or pillars were then stacked in an artistic group and stuffed birds and ornaments placed upon the tops.

RIBBON STAR.

Framework of flat sticks, as used in window shades; height of star, five feet; composed entirely of numerous solid color ribbons, edged with Roman stripe ribbon, to give a neat finish. Ribbons were not cut but folded back of star which was covered at completion of trim with white cheesecloth. Background, pure white curtains. This was an “overhead trim” at the ribbon counter, and attracted quite a little attention.

A DISPLAY OF TRIMMINGS.

A circular arch is covered with elaborate designs, and the figures in the center show the proper application of the trimming.

A TROLLEY CAR.

Here is a reproduction of a trolley car, trimmed entirely with handkerchiefs. The details of the car, including brake, controller and bell rope, are well carried out, and the car stands upon its own rail and sleepers. The car was first built of wood, and covered with white cloth, after which the handkerchiefs were pinned on.

SKIRT DISPLAY.

In the accompanying sketch is presented the production of a design which deserves a place here for a double reason, because it is not only an artistic effort, but eminently practical and easy of imitation in a store of moderate dimensions. The figure is nothing more than the many you use from time to time in your suit and cloak windows. For the many who are not so lucky to have whole forms you can use the bust forms by placing them on a box until you get the required height. If you have no hands use the ones you have at the glove department displaying gloves. In order to have the hands and arms support the skirt you must put a crutch under them. This is not seen, and helps to keep the skirt in an even position.

A window so displayed would, I believe, make a hit, as it is one of the best ways of displaying skirts in an artistic way.

“MISS MODESTY.”

While this display called attention to the fact that corsets are part of women’s underwear, and therefore might be called immodest for that reason, still it suggests a good idea for decorating with these goods.

FOUNTAIN DISPLAY.

The “Fountain of Chiffon” is cleverly conceived and executed, and is thus described by the artist:

“Size of window, width, nine feet; height, seven feet six inches; depth, six feet; white, spotted allover, net draped and festooned on canary yellow lining for background.

“On top is placed a three-feet-high flower stand with eight pieces of millinery wire (in two rows) in semi-circular form, on which are thrown eight lengths of wide silk chiffon (colors to match ruchings), no bluette.

“A hoop, five feet in diameter, made of one-inch wood, is attached to a standard and fastened to center of window floor. White cotton covers the skeleton of the whole goblet. Six yards of bluette tinseled angel gauze make the vessel, including the pillar, and six yards more of the same material finishes the base. Twelve lengths (five yards each) of chiffon ruching, artistically selected colors (except bluette), decorates the vessel, trims in spirals the pillar, and falls in zigzags on base. Five yards of six-inch guipure lace for the brim.

“Between each two pieces of chiffon are arranged white ospreys. Five lengths of white narrow silk chiffon are representing streams overflowing brim of basin and falling to ground.”

MILLINERY ARCH.

“Size of window.—Width, 9 feet; height, 7 feet 6 inches; depth, 6 feet. Size of arch.—Width, 7 feet; height, 7 feet 4 inches; depth, 5 feet. Size of columns, including base, shaft and capital, 4 feet 4 inches. Size of base, 12 × 16 inches; shaft, 2 feet (6 inches in diameter); capital, 12 × 12 inches. Size of arch from line of capital to center of top, 3 feet 2 inches. Size of arch from line of capital to center of inside line, 1 foot 8 inches.

“The whole is made of 1½ × ¾-inch wood material.

“Arch and columns, which are one foot from glass plate, are previously whitewashed, and then trimmed with Shogran puffing of white cheese cloth.”

BROOKLYN BRIDGE IN SPOOLS.

On another page is an excellent picture of this successful trim. The reproduction of the Brooklyn Bridge is so accurate that Mr. Roebling would probably have been delighted had he lived to see it. We furnish diagrams of the towers, in which the dimensions are accurately given. The foundations were covered with grey cotton, to imitate stone, and the balance of the superstructure with boxes of white. Various vehicles were shown upon the bridge.

A number of one candle power electric lights were placed upon the bridge, and a large reflector, which the picture does not show, was placed in the left upper corner to represent the moon. These, and the torch held by the Statue of Liberty, were the only lights shown at night, and the effect was very beautiful. There were 1,225 dozen spools of cotton used in the construction of the bridge, and after the display was taken out a sale was made of these—7 spools for 25c.—and they were sold out in a hurry.

The picture was enhanced by a good water scene under the bridge, showing ships, etc., the water being made to move by means of a mechanical device. There was a sea-wall at the rear, made of brick paper, cotton being used to represent foam.

The statue of “Liberty Enlightening the World” was cleverly carried out. The upper part was puffed with white cheesecloth. A diagram explains the structure. By the way, the photograph of this window sent us was taken by electric light, a three minutes exposure being given. The picture will be seen to be perfectly free from reflections.

A NOTION DISPLAY.

I offer the following suggestion for a window, and although the central portion is alone illustrated, and may be applied to any sort of a trim, the general plan described will be found to harmonize with the central picture.

Use green and yellow, in combination, for the wall draperies, and drab for the floor. Trim, in any manner that commends itself to you, with handkerchiefs, embroideries and notions, keeping each class of articles in a separate group. Parasols at the front corners, placed in fan-shaped holders, look very well and dress a general display.

The central design is a man with a wheelbarrow, and another with a scoop shovel. The barrow should be loaded with notions, laces, handkerchiefs, gloves, etc. This feature may be made mechanical by having the barrow rest on an iron brace just back of the wheel, and another brace fastened to the floor and running up the pants leg of the man holding the barrow. Cut a slot in the floor so that the wheel of the barrow just touches an endless band beneath. Have the man’s knees and hips jointed and connected with a rod running through another slot in the floor and connected with a wheel underneath, so that the same motion is obtained as when a man rides a bicycle. One motor will operate both the man’s legs and the wheel of the barrow. The floor should be strewn with the same class of goods contained in the barrow and a small heap should be just in front of the scoop shovel. It would be well to have a small price card fastened to each article.

PICKING UP.

As a central figure for a notion display you may make a large star, divided into five diamonds, or points, as shown in the picture. These are each filled in with small notions, and the remainder of the background trimmed as you please. The central figure is the main point, and gives character to any trim, so that if you get the central idea the rest is easy. Two jointed, or, better yet, flexible forms are needed for this window. One is stooping down and picking up small notions and placing them in a basket. The other form bears a mouth card, reading, “How is business?” The stooping form replies, by a similar mouth card, “Picking up,” etc.