Designs for the Chandeliers for the Banquet given in honour of the Queen at the Guildhall, 9 November 1837

William Collins, not to be confused witht he Royal Academician of the same name, is recorded at 227 The Strand from 1808 to 1852. He is best known for his work for the Duke of Northumberland (1822-1839); for vase ornaments, formed from the four magnificent chandeliers supplied by Collins for Northumberland House, were sold in these Rooms, 17 November 1988, lots 102 and 103 (repr.). Queen Victoria's visit to the city was described at length in The Times of 10 Nov. 1837. For the banquet that followed the visit, the Guildhall was specially decorated. The Times noted: 'Two semi-globular and magnificently lustrous chandeliers, constructed expressly for the occasion by Mr. Collins, of the Strand, measuring nearly 40 feet in circumference, and divided into rectanguar compartments, were suspended from the roof, bearing the Royal cypher V.R., the crown, rose, thistle, shamrock. Their effect, when lighted up, from the variegated and most resplendent style of each alternate compartment, was brilliant in the extreme.'

Sold with a print showing the dining hall with the banquet in progress and the chandeliers hanging above.