3-083-029 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Reception given by the Speaker's Wife, Mrs. Gully, at the House of Commons, three days before the ministerial crisis, 1895. 'The Terrace of the House of Commons [in Westminster, London] has been almost as popular this summer as it was during that period of a year or two ago christened "The Tea-on-the-Terrace Session." It makes a charming promenade in the afternoon, when the dull colouring of its masonry is brightened by the pretty costumes of ladies, and "the river glideth at its own sweet will," with the sunshine flecking its surface with dimples of light. At the reception given by Mrs. Gully, the Speaker's wife, on Wednesday evening, June 19, the Terrace was decidedly the most popular place of resort. Politics were forgotten, while pleasure was paramount. Music was discoursed by Mitchell's Hungarian Band, and there was singular unanimity among statesmen of all parties as to the charm of the scene. When the long line of lamps was lit in front of St. Thomas's Hospital the picture more nearly resembled a view of Venice than of London. Mrs. Gully and the Speaker, who have speedily won popularity, had the satisfaction of seeing their hospitality thoroughly appreciated by the numerous guests, who were by no means limited to politicians'. From "Illustrated London News", 1895.