WEST FRONT OF THE PAVILION, 1825.
'The West Front of this edifice is shewn in all its variety of detail. In its general character it corresponds with the Steyne front, but there are many differences in the minor ornaments. The Perspective View (drawn from a North West point) exhibits this front in nearly its entire length; the octagon tower in the distance is that which encloses the water reservoir.
'The principal entrance to the palace is constituted by a Porch and Vestibule, which open from the drive on the western side of the building. The Porch, which forms a square of about twenty two feet, is supported at each angle by three oriental columns, and crowned by a small dome in the general style of those already described. Over the cornice is the following inscription, recording the date when the alterations at the Pavilion were commenced by Mr. Holland:
'"H.R.H. George. P.W.
A.D. MDCCLXXXIV."
'The Porch leads directly to the Vestibule, which is of an octagonal form, and about twenty feet in diameter. It is surmounted by a tented roof, neatly decorated, and a Chinese lantern is suspended from the centre.
'The Entrance Hall forms a square of twenty six feet, exclusive of an angular recess which slopes to the Vestibule. The recess has a tented roof, supported by two columns in the oriental style, and pierced by a horizontal sky light, illumined, in parts by tinted glass; there are also two side windows in the recess, independently of its glazed doors. The square of the Hall is surmounted by an ornamental cornice, supporting the ceiling, which resembles an azure sky, diversified by fleecy clouds. On the entrance side, below the cornice, is neatly painted a long range of dragonish forms and other devices; and four globular lamps, similarly embellished, are suspended from the angles of the ceiling. The walls are of a delicate pale green, relieved by circular and vertical compartments, in which dragons and serpents are depicted in subdued colouring. The chimney piece is of white marble, neatly executed.
'The Red Drawing Room, which is chiefly used as a Breakfast Room, adjoins the Entrance Hall on the south side; its length is about thirty feet, and its breadth twenty two feet, independently of a considerable recess towards the north. The timbers which cross the ceiling are sustained by reeded columns in imitation of bamboo. A number of small Chinese pictures, mostly of a bluish tone, exhibiting domestic or family scenes, ornament the walls, which are painted in resemblance of the crimson japan.'
