/// <summary>
        /// routine to assign display-style-properties. Handles propagation to HeaderStyle, FooterStyle and RowStyle. Assignment in aspx will not be overwritten.
        /// </summary>
        protected virtual void SetDefaultStyleItems()
        {
            this.Style.Add("class", "text");
            // check that each property has not been set in the aspx before using the default).
            TableItemStyle myStyle = new TableItemStyle();

            //properties for the outermost control (gridview)
            BorderColor = System.Drawing.Color.Gray;
            BorderStyle = BorderStyle.Outset;
            BorderWidth = Unit.Pixel(4);

            //new ItemStyle obj
            myStyle.BorderColor = BorderColor;
            myStyle.BorderStyle = BorderStyle;
            myStyle.BorderWidth = BorderWidth;

            // use as basis for other default styles
            HeaderStyle.MergeWith(myStyle);
            RowStyle.MergeWith(myStyle);
            FooterStyle.MergeWith(myStyle);
        }