THE REFORM CLUB-HOUSE.
The Reform Club-house, in Pall Mall, was opened partially this week ; and great has been the influx of visiters as well as of members, curious to see if the interior realized the expectations raised by the noble ex- terior. That it does fully, to say the least, we think there can be but one opinion. In the yet imperfect state of the decorations, the merits of the design in all its details cannot be properly appreciated ; minute criticism, therefore, would be out of place : enough is visible, however, of its characteristics to justify a few general remarks. The grand feature is the hall, which strikes the visiter on entering with a feeling of admiration amounting to surprise ; for its novelty is no less remarkable than its magnificence. It a saloon of vast dimen- sions, nearly square, surrounded by a double colonnade supporting a domed roof the full height of the building, lighted from above by glass covings. The effect of the introduction of colours in the architectural forms is here most beautifully exemplified : harmony of proportion and harmony of colour combine to fill the eye with a sense of sumptuous richness and elegance. The coldness which light, air, and space tend to produce, is counteracted by the warm though sober hues of the sienna marble columns, enriched by porphyry and verd antique in the arched intercolumniations, and relieved by the subdued tone of the tesselated pavement, and the light delicate tints of the ceiling and entablature. Besides its magnificent architectural effect, this hall is useful as a means of lighting and ventilation; and, with the surrounding corridors, it will form a most agreeable lounge in warm weather. The principal apartments are likewise distinguished by their archi- tectural decorations—the upholstery fittings being subordinate : the curtains and carpets of course contribute to heighten the pervading warmth and richness, but without disturbing the chaste, quiet tone pre- vailing throughout. The interior, so far as we had an opportunity of judging, is in accordance with the style,of the exterior : the same _mas- siveness and repose—the same grandeur and symmetry of proportion— characterize both. This correspondence between the external and in- ternal features of the building gives an entireness to the whole design, which thus impresses the mind at once, as if by a single coup d'ceil ; • the impression made being that of unostentatious splendour and finished elegance, the result of a perfect union of beauty and fitness, where ornament becomes the crowning grace of utility. A palace in point of extent and magnificence, it has withal an air of luxurious comfort. The eating-room, while it presents a perspective the whole length of the facade, as of three fine apartments thrown into one, has snug recesses where a tate-d-tete repast may be enjoyed free from interruption. This saloon and the drawing-room above overlook the gardens ; but, by fill- ing the spaces above the central chimney-pieces with a large trans- parent plate Of glass in lien of a mirror, a view of the hall is presented ; which adds to the cheerfulness of the apartments, and improves the effect of the entrance by opening a vista opposite. The arrangements for the comfort of the members, and the conve-
nience of the attendants, are as complete as art and science can render them. The entresol and basement are no less admirable on the score of accommodations than the principal floors in point of elegance. Ranges of bath-rooms, dressing-rooms, waiting-rooms, steward's-rooms, &e., occupy the entresol ; and the basement is devoted to the culinary department, which is on a grand scale of completeness. A beautiful little steam-engine of five-horse power supplies the motive force : it raises water from a well 217 feet deep to the dormitories at the top of the house ; it sets in motion a fan that circulates through all the build- ing a supply of fresh air, warmed by an ingenious application of its waste steam ; and it works the various " lifts" by which fuel, viands, dishes, &c. are sent up and down to and from the different rooms. The butterie de cuisine presents a formidable array of stewing-stoves, boilers and hot closets, ice-wells and cool pantries, and two enormous fire- grates, each big enough to roast an ox whole. Altogether, the Reform Club is perhaps the completest specimen of domestic architecture in the kingdom : the architect, Mr. BARRY, has naturalized in England the Italian palazzo, by combining with its solid magnificence of style and superb taste in ornament, those luxuries of convenience which our cold damp climate and in-door life render essential to domestic comfort.
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