2-889-324 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Royal Table, and Mayoralty Insignia, 1850. Banquet held in York to celebrate the forthcoming Great Exhibition. The centrepiece was '...a magnificent ornamental design of M. Soyer's, erected in front of the window, and immediately behind the great circular table. It consisted of a large emblematic vase, 20 feet in height, painted and modelled by Mr. Alfred Adams. Around the base is Britannia receiving specimens of industry from Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. From the centre springs a palm tree, surrounded by the City arms of London and York...Appended were graceful wreaths of flowers, in which predominated the symbols of the houses cf York and Lancaster, the red and white rose; and, when a brilliant flood of gaslight, aided by powerful reflectors, was thrown upon this splendid decoration, the effect was very beautiful'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.