Page:The Strand Magazine (Volume 6).djvu/12

and 45ft. in height. It has a magnificently painted roof, with twenty-one sunlights answering for gas and ventilation, the shafts running right through. Running round beneath the frieze are copies of Raphael's "Twelve Hours."

Ball and Concert Room.
From a Photo. by H. W. King.

The walls are panelled in crimson silk of rose, shamrock, and thistle pattern, having thereon some pictures of the Muses; the settees are upholstered in the same colour, watered silk and satin stripe pattern. On the elevation on either side of the room are some chased ormolu candelabra by Barbedienne, the floor itself being satinwood and mahogany.

At one end is the fine organ that formerly stood in the Brighton Pavilion; the orchestra being erected immediately in front for State concerts. On the front of the inclosure, the costly looking hanging of crimson velvet and gold was at one time the tent of Tippoo Sahib, taken at Vellore.

Ball and Concert Room.
From a Photo. by H. W. King.

Be the occasion concert or ball, it is a grand sight to witness, and one that cannot be equalled; rendered doubly impressive when the company—generally about three hundred—rise to their feet upon the entrance of the Royal Family. The rich costumes of the ladies; the Court, military, naval, and Ambassadors' dress; the flashing jewels and the artistic surroundings; the exquisite strains of music rising and falling—once you witness this, it is a picture that never fades from your memory.

At the opposite end of the room is an alcove decorated in character with all the