Page:History of the Anti corn law league.pdf/315

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APPEARANCE OF THE THEATRE.
299

tion of the joint industry, talents, and taste of Messrs. Bowden and Edwards, builders, Messrs. Bradford, gas fitters, and Mr. Doveston, upholsterer, aided by Mr. Geo. Wilson and the gentlemen's committee of management, and was thus described in my newspaper at the time:—"The pit has been covered over with a good substantial flooring, having a slight incline so as to form an ascent to the dress boxes, corresponding with the inclination of the stage in the contrary direction; or, in other words, the floor declines from either end to the proscenium, and will give to the visitor, when the Bazaar is opened, a much better view of the magnificent scene than could otherwise be obtained. The stage scenery and side wings have been entirely removed, and stalls are fitting up on either side of the stage in their place, and in a line with the dress boxes, which are also converted into stalls. Another line of stalls stretches down the centre of the floor, and the walls and ceiling being covered with handsome white and coloured draperies—the former relieved with pilasters, and the latter disposed in alternate folds of crimson and white radiating from a centre; whilst a cornice of pink drapery, disposed in festoons, gives to the whole a handsome finish. The appearance of the room is that of an immense hall beautifully decorated and lighted; for, in addition to the ordinary glass chandeliers suspended from the boxes, the stage is lighted with gas, each burner having beautiful Chinese shades, with pale blue ground, suspended beneath them, which materially soften the light, while they add to the general effect of the decorations. A splendid mirror against the Charlotte-street end of the immense room, and reflecting its whole length, materially adds to the imposing effect produced by the coup d' æil on entering the building. The stalls consist of two tables running parallel with each other, the one behind being slightly elevated to give a better view of the contents; and the only division between the stalls is a