Improvements at Osborne.

Manawatu Herald, 25 February 1892, Page 3

Improvements at Osborne.

Her Majesty has lately made an important addition to Osborne House. It consists of an entirely new wing, corresponding externally with the Italian architecture of the palace. A broad corridor connects the new building with the pavilion to which are situated the Queen's apartments. The principal feature of the extension i is a very handsom Indian room, which is not quite completed. Its windows look out upon the lawn, towards Cowes. There are two entrances to the apartment from a vestibule, and besides the corridor exit there is a doorway under a musi* cians' gallery erected at one end of the hall, which measures 80ft in width and 60ft in length. A broad bay, or recess, with three windows, is opposite the spacious fire place. When finished the room will be illu rhinated with a chandelier suspended in the alcove and with candelabra. The chamber is remarkable for the richness of its decoration, which is still in white, but hereafter, the mouldings will be coloured. They have been executed under the superintendence of Ram Singh, professor of art at Lahore University, who, together with Mr Mann, the builder, * has been busy since March 1890, in the adornment of the ceiling and walls, which is upon a very elaborate scale. A beautiful dado, with a Sikh work moulding, skirts the room. Between the pilasters there are diaper panels, surmounted by an ornate cornice, having a cove above it in the Moorish style. Finely-modelled brackets support the splendid ceiling and are repeated in the gallery. Over one door a Hindoo idol appears. The materials used for the work have been carton pierre, fibrous plaster, and papier mache ; and it is clear that when the artist begins to colour and to gild, the effect will be of a still more beautiful character. Indian woven and printed stuffs are draped as temporary hangings. —People.