The Entrance Hall
From a Photo. by Debenham & Co.
green, and gold; a frieze running round of crimson and green, with burnished metal chainwork hanging over all. The walls are imitation marble, and four alcoves contain statues. Four massive burnished lamps, each containing twelve inside lights, diffuse soft rays of light around. But the sun is shining now, and we note the floors of variegated marble, the chairs and settees of mahogany and gold, emblazoned with the Royal Arms, and even catch a glimpse of some sumptuous apartment across the Sculpture Gallery and of a beautiful pleasance through a bay window.
On the side of the hall to the right from the entrance a few steps lead up to an elevation where is situated a fireplace worth a close inspection. Over the mantelpiece is a massive brass clock by Vulliamy, recessed in a square of marble, surmounted with a crown and the Royal Arms, winged figures on either side, and a carving of fruit underneath; the whole supported by recumbent figures at the corners, with the Royal Arms and mottoes in the centre. On either side of the mantel is the same rich carving, and at the base rampant lions in support; the interior having a fine ormolu frieze.
The entrance to the grand staircase is on our left, but first we will view some apartments on this floor. Opposite the grand entrance the hall is open to and communicating with (by the broad steps that run right round) the Sculpture Gallery. This is much used as a promenade, and as it is about 152ft. long, is well adapted for the purpose. It has imitation marble walls, and is supported by forty marble Corinthian columns. A number of pedestals support handsome bronze busts of the classics, while two hold eagles with outspread wings.
Some massive and beautiful side-tables have on them white marble vases of graceful design. The fireplaces are richly chased in ormolu, while over the marble mantels are massive mirrors in cream and gold. At one end is the "Ministers' Staircase"; and by this the Royal Family ascend on Drawing Room days, their special entrance from the quadrangle being quite close to it.
At the opposite end is the lower corridor, running under the grand staircase and down
