3-003-943 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The London Rifle Brigade Ball at Guildhall, [London], 1861. 'There was a very large attendance, embracing representatives from most of the metropolitan and several of the provincial volunteer corps. The gas stars, festoons, transparencies, banners, devices, and other decorations which were displayed at the Lord Mayor's inauguration banquet, were retained to give éclat to the hall. Under the bright light of innumerable gas jets, and with the accessories of gorgeous drapery and picturesque and tasteful arrangement of ornamentation, the varied uniforms of the gallant volunteers, and the still gayer costumes of the lady guests as they moved about in the changes of the dance, produced a pleasing and a brilliant picture...Alderman Rose, Major of the Brigade, took a prominent part in conducting the proceedings, and amongst the guests were the Earl of Westmoreland, General Eyre, Colonel Gordon, and other officers of the regular army; [and] Mr. Hughes, the author of "Tom Brown's Schooldays"...The dancing was kept up with great spirit throughout the night and far into the morning'. From "Illustrated London News", 1861.