2-979-084 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The New Houses of Parliament: The Peers' Staircase, 1857. 'This is an elegant approach to the Upper House, having two flights of steps...The ceiling is divided into nine parts, supported by four piers, upon which are rendered pillars, and deeply-recessed mouldings; from the pillars spring the fan groinings of the roof, at whose intersections are some small bosses and shields, all of which are gilded...It is lighted by two large windows, of five lights each, with rich bold tracery...The side wall is divided, like the windows, into five compartments, in each of which upon gold grounds are emblazoned arms, corresponding with the windows. The floor is of encaustic tiles, in lozenge forms, and varied in pattern. The rise of the steps is also fronted with tiles. The balustrade which surrounds the top of the staircase is divided into compartments, and filled with roses and quatrefoils of very bold design'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.