Pagina-afbeeldingen
PDF
ePub
[graphic]

HSStorer. Del & Sculp

The Upper Rooms.

Published by Sherwood & CoDec 1 1818

[ocr errors][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][ocr errors][ocr errors][merged small][merged small]
[graphic]

Wood: and most of the streets connected with the CIRCUS were likewise erected from the plans of the above deservedly distinguished architect. The visitor can scarcely quit this classic pile of buildings, without turning round to take another look. On crossing the CIRCUS, to the right is Bennet-Street, contiguous to Saville-Row and Alfred-Street, in which are the various entrances to the UPPER (or NEW) ROOMS. The first stone of these beautiful, if not unequalled, Assembly Rooms in the kingdom, was laid on the 24th of May, 1769, by that ingenious architect, inheriting all his father's talents, the junior John Wood, Esq. and built under his direction from the subscription of seventy individuals, at the cost of £20,000, and were opened for the reception of company in 1771. The elegance of the ball-room astonishes every spectator, it is 100 feet 8 inches long, 42 feet 8 inches wide, and 42 feet 6 inches high. The ceiling is beautiful, ornamented with pannels with open compartments, and from which are suspended five superb glass chandeliers: and the windows from which the rooms receive daylight, are on a ballnight covered with boards painted with ornaments on them to correspond with the uniformity of the other side of the room. The walls are also painted and decorated in the most tasteful style; and the Corinthian columns and entablature resemble statuary marble. At each end of the room are placed, in magnificent gilt-frames, the most splendid looking-glasses that could be procured to give effect to the general brilliant appearance. The whole suite of rooms are fur

nished in the same elegant style to correspond. In the Octagon Card-Room, 48 feet in diameter, is a fine likeness of Captain Wade, painted by Gainsborough ; and likewise a portrait of Richard Tyson, Esq. done by James. The other Card-Room is 70 feet long and 27 wide. In 1813, a capacious and elegant Reading-Room was added to it by the present Renter, Mr. Stroud, which is fitted up with the best maps, newspapers, books of reference, &c. The admission to this room is so convenient, that it does not interfere with the company on ball or concert nights. The terms of subscription to the Card and Reading Rooms for the year are 26s. and for two months 15s. The above fashionable amusements are placed upon a far more moderate scale of terms than any other place of similar resort in the kingdom. In short, the whole establishment is truly complete, and cannot fail in proving the admiraiton of every visitor at Bath.

Captain Wade was the first master of the ceremonies here, but who alternately presided at both rooms, till July 1777, when an affair of gallantry compelled him to relinquish his lucrative office. Seven candidates immediately offered themselves on the abdication of Mr. Wade. It was. however at length compromised, that Mr. Dawson should preside in the room of Capt. Wade; and Major Brereton to officiate as M. C. at the Lower Rooms. At the expiration of three years the latter retired from his office, and was succeeded by Richard Tyson, Esq. from TunbridgeWells. In 1785, the latter gentleman was.

« VorigeDoorgaan »