Page:The Strand Magazine (Volume 6).djvu/7
vases, three of them being Japanese, and a fine terra-cotta one presented by the Emperor Napoleon in commemoration of the '51 Exhibition. It is handsomely painted, picturing processions of all nations. The vase is supported by four figures representative of the four quarters of the globe, and stands on a marble pedestal.
The Bow Library.
From a Photo. by H. W. King.
On a side-table stands a model of a mortar of unique construction and beautiful workmanship, the base being carried by four tortoises, and a dragon to carry the mortar; this was presented to the Prince Regent by the Spanish nation, to commemorate the raising of the Siege of Cadiz, on 22nd July, 1812. Some fine Genoa green marble vases and other artistic things are noticeable; and in addition several life-sized paintings and painted busts of distinguished personages, amongst whom you will note the Duke of Brabant, H.I.H. the Duchess of Brabant, H.R.H. the Princess of Prussia, Ernest Prince of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, and Prince Leopold at the age of three months, bearing such a remarkable likeness to his mother, our Queen, on his baby face as to be quite startling. All these pictures represent sponsors or people present at Prince Leopold's christening.
From the windows of this room is a first-rate view of the terrace and gardens; the terrace has some fine statuary, leading on to a beautiful and extensive lawn; in the background a lake of five acres, shady and secluded walks, and giant trees, just now in leaf and bloom, with the birds making sweet music in the branches. All else of life that you will see just now is represented by the blue-coated guardians of peace and property, who stand watchful and alert; and the red coats of our country's defenders as they pace to and fro with martial tread. So quiet and so secluded are these forty acres of parklike ground, that you might well imagine yourself many miles from the bustling traffic outside the Palace gates, instead of only separated by a few hundred yards.
Next to this is the "'55" Room used as a sitting-room, and also as an additional cloakroom when the Drawing Room is more than usually large. The ceiling is artistically painted, the curtains are crimson silk, with a rose, shamrock, and thistle border worked in gold. The furniture is rosewood and gilt, with crimson silk rep upholstery.
On the marble chimney-piece is a timepiece of black marble and gold—Father Time clipping the wings of Cupid; while on the opposite side of the room, standing on a massive carved pedestal, is an ancient music-box and clock combined, composed of tortoiseshell and buhl, with silver mounts and twisted glass pillars.
The paintings in this room are superb, and all appertaining to the period named, the military subjects of C. H. Thomas being truly wonderful examples. The "Distribution of Medals" on the Horse Guards' Parade is one that can be gazed upon for an almost indefinite period: the Royal daïs with its occupants; the group of officers near, each one being a distinct likeness; the massed bands; the men drawn up under arms; the heroes as they advance in single file, some minus an arm, some a leg, bandaged and damaged, one in particular being wheeled up, having lost both his legs; but all with a