[_George Newnes, Ltd._
]
In the girls' noisy room they were playing "London Bridge" and
"Kiss-in-the-Ring," but it was tame work in comparison with the
uproarious diversions of the stern sex below. When the boys' boxing
contest was over they had a sack race, but a small group of youngsters
were observed making for the door.
"W'ere you goin', 'Arry?" asked a friend.
"Me? Oh. I'm goin' with Johnson."
"W'ere's Johnson goin'?"
"Darnstairs. Johnson's father's a 'ouse-painter, and 'e knows something,
Johnson does. We promised to go an' see Millie White paint in the
paintin' room. You orter see 'er dror a 'orse. I promised to 'old her
cup an' Johnson's 'oldin' her paints. P'r'aps, if you come, she'll let
you 'ave a brush to 'old."
[Illustration: A GROUP OF ADMIRERS.
_From a Photo. by George Newnes, Ltd._]
This is gallantry and this is appreciation of art. Five minutes later,
after seeing the champion of Byles's Rents again victorious in the sack
race, we descend to the painting room to find Miss Millie White (ætat
eight), the celebrated animal painter, daughter of Larry White; the
well-known Shoreditch navvy, surrounded by her admirers. In another part
of the same room we come upon quite an animated group of talented
colourists. Some of the designs done by these children of the slums are
most creditable, and at least their faces are radiant with happiness,
which is the chief thing after all. The articles produced in the
toy-making room are vastly ingenious. Out of the most unpromising
materials--such as reels of cotton and match-boxes, fortified by
cardboard and coloured paper--the most delectable toys are produced.
[Illustration: THE PAINTING ROOM.
_From a Photo. by George Newnes, Ltd._]
[Illustration: ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS MADE BY THE CHILDREN.
_From a Photo. by George Newnes, Ltd._]
[Illustration:
_From a Photo. by_]