Before the war local crafts and industries were already established and a certain measure of organization had, at least in the Jewish community, been started. Handwork of many varieties had been modernized, both in processes of manufacture and in design. The Bezalel school of applied arts had been remodelled, and design for metal-work, posters, and weaving was based on a thorough course of drawing from nature and a study of processes. The general tendency was towards simplicity and fine form rather than to over-decoration, and good examples of table silverware had been produced. Home industries were being encouraged both by a committee working in Tel-Aviv and by the Association of Palestine Arts and Crafts, under the direct control of the Jewish Agency.