THE PANTHEON.
IN glancing over the report of a Vestry Meeting in the parish of St. IVIarylebone, our eye rested with unwonted interest on a paragraph respecting a proposed alteration in the portico of the Pantheon,—that portico whose ever-closed portals were the constant wonderment of our boyhood. How often has our imagination revelled in (ley-dreams con- cerning its supposed mythological mysteries! How great was our dis- appointment on being told, that, instead of a collection of ancient deities, it contained a huge untenanted theatre ! Still, the recollection of our early interest induced us to visit the premises a few months ago, when they were advertised for sale. Such a picture of desolation as we then beheld was never before witnessed in the very centre of busi- ness, fashion, and pleasure. . A sight of the rootless theatre, with its doorless boxes, benchless pit, and floorless lobbies, effectually cured vs of our propensity to subscribe towards the establishment of a third theatre.
But, to return to the Vestry Meeting. It was stated, that "the first oenefit the opening of the Pantheon would have upon the parish would be this—that it would throw 171/. into the parish funds for rates." [Ye Gods! the Pantheon pay rates ! Nothing but the passing of the Reform Bill could have worked such a miracle. Further resistance to the same liability by the Aristocracy of Privy Gardens would be mad- ness.] The worthy Vestry orator added, "that 50,000/. was to be ex vended upon the building ; this outlay must, of course, be beneficial to the parish.'? (Hear !)
Our never-dying interest in the scene • of our youthful speculations has induced us to pay it another visit. Our pains have been amply re-
paid. ()vie has not recorded a more wonderful metamorphosis than that which has taken place on the site of the late ruinous building. Its vast area has become a perfect hive of industry. Uundreds of work- men appear to be employed within the newly-erected wails; and we were told that as many more are occupied elsewhere in preparing fur- niture. Our informant added, that the establishment will give per- manent employment to forty or fifty officers ; and that three hundred females (pieced under the strictest surveillance as to their moral con- duct) will be enabled to obtain a respectable livelihood. So much for its immediate beneficial effects to the parish and neighbourhood.
We were further informed, by an intelligent gentleman, who must have been the God of Traffic in a mortal shape, that the building is to contain six spacious saloons and four galleries, lighted and heated upon new and improved principles, for the exhibition and sale, by private contract, of ancient and modern sculpture, painting, and all other works connected with the fine arts : it will also contain a bazaar of unequalled extent and splendour • ari aviary ; a conservatory, &c. &c. The opinion entertained of? the unprecedented variety of attractions and union of advantages the institution will afford, has already induced some distinguished artists, extensive collectors, and many highly respectable tradesmen (the latter of whom have been heretofore enemies of such establishments), to send applications to its manager, preparatory to its opening in April next.
We advise the artists, manufacturers, and sellers of every elegant and useful production, who are not afraid of competition, and who like to receive ready money for their commodities, to secure themselves niches in this mortal Pantheon—this temple dedicated to the promotion of art and industry. •
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