3-053-571 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Mr. Disraeli delivering his installation address as Lord Rector of Glasgow University, 1873. 'The installation...took place in the Kibble Crystal Palace, a large circular glass building in the Botanical Gardens...the Lord Rector is standing on an elevated platform in the centre, with a small desk before him; the Vice-Chancellor and the Principal of the University, the Very Rev. Dr. Caird, occupies a lower place at his right hand; and the Dean of Faculty, Mr. E. Strathearn Gordon, Q.C., M.P. for Glasgow and Aberdeen Universities, is at his left hand. Mr. Disraeli wore his official costume as Lord Rector, a black silk robe trimmed with gold lace; Dr. Caird, as Vice-Chancellor, wore a black silk-velvet gown...Mr. Gordon wore the ordinary academic gown. In the rear of these, and on a lower level, were ranged the members of the senate, in gowns and hoods; farther back and at the sides were some of the privileged spectators, with a few ladies. The proceedings began with a Latin prayer, uttered by the Principal; the first business was to confer the honorary degree of LL.D. upon Mr. Disraeli and several other gentlemen. After this ceremony the Lord Rector delivered his harangue, which has been read and commented upon by every newspaper reader'. From "Illustrated London News", 1873.