* * * * *


Notes.

Of the many minor or industrial arts which enter into a complete
architectural production, that of the smith is one of the most
fascinating, and strangely enough, it is one which at the present time
has the fewest workers who can be worthily compared with those of the
past. In the estimation of many of the most prominent and exacting
architects of the country there is but one maker of ornamental wrought
iron in America who can be trusted to intelligently carry out the spirit
of a fine design. Why this should be so it is hard to say, but the fact
remains that most of the best iron work done in this country in recent
years has come from the shop of John Williams of New York; and
architects, it may be said, instinctively turn to him for work of this
class.

The characteristics which distinctively belong to the art of the smith,
the limitations of material and the purpose for which the finished work
is intended are all taken into account and each element given its due
importance. To Mr. H.B. Stillman, associated with Mr. Williams, who has
for a number of years taken personal charge of this branch of the
business, is largely due the success which has attended the efforts of
his house.

[Illustration]