2-981-780 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Mr. Layard presenting to the Prince of Wales the address of the Municipal Council at Colombo, Ceylon, 1876. The future King Edward VII recieves a gift from the first mayor of Colombo: a '...casket borne on a cushion...[containing] gold plate on which is inscribed on one side the address in English, on the obverse the same in Cinghalese and Tamil. The work is admirably executed by Mudaliyar Gomes. The Prince, meanwhile, gave a glance at the ivory casket which he held in his hand, and which is well worthy of Royal reception, bedecked as it is, and most tastefully set with circles of pearls and other Ceylon precious stones...Mr. Layard is showing that, neatly packed in the casket, are specimens of most of Ceylon products, coffee from Hellbodde, cinnamon from a famous estate, arekanut...Sir Bartle Frere is shown standing near the Prince at his right hand'. From "Illustrated London News", 1876.