3-038-961 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The new hall of the Drapers' Company, Throgmorton-street, [City of London], 1871. 'The ancient London City Guild of Drapers is now in the occupation of its new hall...which is a magnificent building...The great dining-hall is a room of noble proportions and rich in decorations. It is square at one end and semicircular at the other; the length is 82 ft...The height of the ceiling is 44 ft. Ranges of full columns, of marble, standing singly, clear from the walls, are placed along each side, upon pedestals with plinths of black and gold marble, all round the room...There is a half dome over the semicircular end of the hall...The centre of the ceiling has a large circular band, inclosing a wreathed quatrefoil, with a radiating centre. A large sun-burner in the centre furnishes a portion of the artificial light necessary, and aids in the ventilation...The bays on one side of the room are occupied by windows, opening upon the quadrangle. The bays on the opposite side are filled with fine full-length portraits...The ladies' gallery surrounds the semicircular end of the grand hall, with a richly-gilt rail of elegant pattern...The architect is Mr. Herbert Williams'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.