3-008-725 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

International entertainment at the Guildhall, [London]: the ball in the temporary saloon erected in the Guildhall-yard, 1862. 'The Corporation of the city of London, desirous of offering a suitable welcome to the distinguished foreigners and other eminent persons visiting the metropolis on the occasion of the international Exhibition, gave a ball and concert...covering the greater part of Guildhall-yard, a spacious and lofty saloon had been erected, with commodious entrances, lobbies, and side passages. The interior was decorated in the Gothic style of architecture; and ranged on the sides of the apartment were sixteen modelled and draped female figures. In the angles were placed allegorical statues of the four quarters of the globe, surrounded by choice plants and exotics, arranged with reference to the divisions of the globe from winch they came. The saloon was brilliantly lighted from the roof by starlight burners of gas. Early in the evening it was used as a hall of reception for the guests, and subsequently appropriated to dancing, an orchestral band being placed in a balcony over the eastern entrance...Dancing...was maintained with unflagging spirit until an advanced hour'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.