No_5_October_and_November__1938 — Page 14

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Hong Kong Builder

resist any acid. The colours are everlasting, which makes its use very suitable for outside decoration, on floors or walls exposed to any atmospheric condition.

Another advantage of Vitreous Mosaic is the low cost in comparison with the classical Venetian Mosaic. Almost any of the two hundred and twenty colours can be supplied in plain or not too elaborate pattern at a price as low as HK$2.00 per square foot; red and bright yellow at HK$2.75, including fixing, while the gold and silver colours are, of course, much higher. At rates such as these, Vitreous Mosaic should be a popular medium of decoration as it adds that touch of vivid sparkling colour which no other medium can possibly attain.

A few architects in Hong Kong have already made use of this material with pleasing results. In our issue of June 1938 we published some illustrations of a swimming pool, fountain and other works in Vitreous Mosaic, carried out in Hong Kong by Mr. R. Bigazzi. We understand that this work has since been followed by orders for a number of bathrooms, fireplaces and cocktail bars in various private houses in the Colony. Undoubtedly much greater use will be made of this particular product for many of the public and private buildings now in course of erection in Hong Kong.

One-half size illustration of conventionalized design in Vitreous Mosaic. Used for the ornamental panelling of a Swimming Pool for a Private Residence on Castle Peak Road, Kowloon.

Vitreous Mosaic, in contrast with Venetian Mosaic, comes in almost regular small squares, ranging in size from 2/5 of an inch to 14 inches, which if tastefully employed can be adopted to any design and motif. Because of their squarish lines, Vitreous Mosaics are in entire keeping with modern decorative tendencies, and because of their regular shape and brilliancy of colour, combine beautifully with marble, metal or wood.

The irregularity of the tessaraes relieve the monotony of the composition such as is the case with the ordinary Mosaic tiles, and gives that tone of handicraft and individuality to Vitreous Mosaics which vividly contrasts it with other Mosaics.

The composition of Vitreous Mosaic makes it impervious to atmospheric action and wear. Being non-porous it cannot be stained or sullied and can

Vestibule of Manila Apartment House with walls of marble and column in Vitreous Mosaic.