A SKETCH OF OUR CUTTING ROOM.
tions," and evidently put with the object of making the student think. I made rapid progress with these, for I always found the teachers both ready and willing to fully explain any question I asked then about, though of course it was impossible for them to go through all the questions in this way. Occasionally the lecture would deal with the examination papers ; two I remember especially: the one was "The features which contribute most towards success in a cutter's career," and the other was "The difficulties a cutter has to overcome." Between the examination papers and
The Drawing Book,
My evenings were fully occupied, and anyone who comes to the Tailor and Cutter Office as a Student must make up his mind for hard work if he wishes to succeed. I am very proud of my drawing book, and many a time have I shown it to my tailoring friends since I left the Academy, and as it contains diagrams of almost every kind of ladies' and gents' garment, all done with my own hands, it gives some idea of the comprehensive nature of the teaching given at the Tailor and Cutter Office. I find it most valuable as a book of reference, and I do not think money would tempt me to part with this practical memento of the many happy hours I spent at 93, Drury Lane.
My time flew by, and I began to look hopefully for the end, not that I wanted it to come, but rather because I felt the progress I had made was genuine, and such as would enable me to take my stand behind the cutting board with confidence. I kept a weekly record of
My Expenses,
And I find the average to be 23/6 [1] , but this did not include anything for sight-seeing, for I carefully abstained from this, as my father had promised me plenty of this sort of thing at the end of my term, providing I passed successfully; so I concentrated all my energies on this end, though I took many an interesting walk to Battersea Park or on Clapham Common, or even occasionally we went as far as Hyde Park, to feast our eyes on the beauties of nature and the beauties of high-class tailoring. My expenses consisted of lodging 5/-, travelling 2/6, washing 1/-, attendance 6d., and food, &c., 14/6. Many reduced the latter amount considerably, but my parents instructed me to live comfortably but not luxuriously, and this was the advice I carried out, and I merely give these items as a guide to those who may be placed in similar conditions to myself. As the day of my
Examination
Drew near I began to feel very nervous. I had been working so hard that I almost dreaded being put to the test; for I had learnt enough to show me how much there was I did not know; and it was this that made me nervous; and as I was ushered into the Editor's Room and took my seat at the examination table, my heart was thumping away at a very high rate, and my whole frame was trembling; but this very soon passed away, for when I opened the sealed packet of questions and made a start, I found that my heart was so full of my subject that I forgot all else; and the only thing I felt was a sincere desire to do the very best I could, and to answer the various questions in the fullest manner.
It was a heavy day's work, but as the afternoon wore away I began to feel cheerful: a something told me I should pass successfully; and when, at 4.30 p.m., I handed my papers in to the senior teacher, I was very sanguine. I was not disappointed either, for though I did not take the very highest award ever given, yet I took the next; and when it is to be remembered I am only a young man, I think I ought to feel very proud, as indeed I do, of my first-class diploma. So the time at last came for me to say my
Farewell.
And as I did so I felt I was parting with more than teachers, they were friends, ever ready to help or advise in every possible way; and I felt I should be neglecting my duty if I did not give my tribute to the patience and care shown me, as well as to express my appreciation of the very excellent systems taught; systems which after I have put them to a thorough test during my several month's active practice, I feel it would be difficult to improve. Further, I would add my testimony to the excellence of the lodgings, for whilst there, I felt quite at home, everything was done pleasantly and cheerfully, and I am certain that much of my success was due to the pleasant social surroundings I had in the evenings; so that in conclusion I would recommend every Student to stay there, as they will find everything is respectable, clean, and comfortable; at least so I found them.
These are the general impressions I formed of the Tailor and Cutter Academy during my three month's stay, and I shall do all that lies in my power, to recommend anyone aspiring to become a cutter, to follow the course I followed, feeling assured he will be equally as satisfied as I am.
Yours fraternally, A MASTER TAILOR'S SON.
With the view of stimulating our Students to do their very best whilst at the Academy we have much pleasure in announcing
A, Special Prize value £10,
To be competed for between the dates of July 1st to October 31st, 1892.
A WHEELER & WILSONS TAILORS' SEWING MACHINE,
of the latest design, with all improvements, will be
AWARDED TO THE MOST SUCCESSFUL STUDENT,
Who completes not less than one month's tuition between the above dates. Marks will be awarded day by day in accordance with the progress made and at the close of his term of tuition a final examination will be made ; this together with the Teachers' observations will decide the award, which will be announced early in November in the Tailor and Cutter.
Open to all 8tudents. No Extra Fee
- ↑ Many Students make 20/- a week meet their expenses.
