2-982-493 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Bathing Kiosk in course of construction for the Viceroy of Egypt, 1858. '...now being constructed in London...and which, after having been completely fitted together here, will be shipped in pieces for the Nile...The foundations will consist of iron cylinders sunk deeply into the sandy bed of the river...there will be a circular verandah surrounding the building...In the centre a square space is to be allotted to the bath...to be suspended from the centre of the dome by a richly-ornamented chain, which will pass along the top over concealed pulleys, and then be attached to winding machinery - the object being to suit the level of the bath to that of the water of the Nile...The various rooms will be lighted in the daytime by windows with glass casements, provided with louvre shutters to shade off the sun, but at night they will he illuminated by elegant chandeliers suspended from the ceiling...The main part of the building will be of iron and glass...The style is as near an approach as possible to the Saracenic...if we conceive the brilliancy of an Eastern sun, and the clearness of an Eastern atmosphere, we may imagine the effect of this kiosk glittering with its reflection in the waters of the most classical river in the world'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.