ST. PAUL’S ILLUMINATED.
ON the evening of June 22, and for two or three days following, London was ablaze with illuminations. In the city especially these were on a scale of unparalleled magnificence. The Bank of England was fringed and festooned with myriads of many-coloured lamps, while from the parapet of the corner which looks towards Cheapside there glowed and scintillated a dazzling fan-shaped device of huge size. Over the chief entrance appeared the following inscription in letters of living fire: “She Wrought Her People Lasting Good.” |Illuminations in London.| The pillars of the Mansion House and the Royal Exchange were entwined with bands of light, and every detail of their architecture was accentuated by rows of tiny lamps. In this, the very heart of London, it was as light as day. It may be mentioned that 35,000 gas jets were used in decorating the Mansion House alone.
E. H. Fitchew.]
THE MONUMENT ILLUMINATED.
Moving westward with the vast throng of well-behaved sightseers, the next point of great interest was the dome of St. Paul’s. It had been suggested that the Cathedral should be illuminated, as were the other important buildings in the city, but the possibility of danger from fire acted as a deterrent. Instead of this, powerful electric search-lights were focussed on the dome and west front with wonderful effect. The dome stood up clear against the dark sky, and the stonework supporting and crowning it glowed like whitest marble. It is said that the expense of this installation was at the rate of £1,400 a night.
A. Shot Tower. B. Whitehall Court. C. Hotel Metropole. D. Hotel Cecil. E. Savoy Hotel. F. Embankment.