2-888-623 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Grand Saloon at Devonshire House, [London], 1850. The Duke of Devonshire's guests included '...the Duke of Cambridge, his Serene Highness Prince Edward of Saxe- Weimar, and about 800 members of the aristocracy...The Grand Saloon...is a magnificent apartment, and the decorations, designed by Mr. Crace...in the style of the celebrated artist Le Brun...The saloon originally was the entrance vestibule, but it now forms one of the most magnificent apartments in the building, a new grand staircase having been built by the Duke of Devonshire...When used as a ball-room, the furniture of this saloon is, of course, removed, and seats, close to the walls, are raised one step, so that the sitters can observe the dancers with ease...Devonshire House was built by William Kent for William Cavendish, third Duke of Devonshire'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.