2-888-643 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Grand Ball at Devonshire House, on Tuesday, 1850. London society party: '...upwards of eight hundred of the highest members of the aristocracy having assembled within its gorgeous saloons, at the invitation of the Duke of Devonshire, to celebrate by a grand ball the recurrence of his Grace's natal day...Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge honoured the noble Duke with their presence...The Grand Ball-room...is a very long apartment...effected by throwing an arch across at the junction [of two rooms]. The arch itself is most elaborately ornamented...the mode of lighting the great arch...deserves especial mention, from its novelty and the exquisite effect produced. It consists of a series of globe lights round the arch in either room, and, from the globes being tinged a faint rose-colour, when lighted, their appearance is truly beautiful'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.