Wall panels usually behind the Barry paintings

Wall panels usually behind the Barry paintings, Christine Bond, Commercial Director

Isaac Taylor's engraving published by Phillips in 1804\nEngraving by Isaac Taylor showing the Great Room's East wall. Published by Phillips in 1804.

Aquatint by Pugin and Rowlandson, shows the Great Room from the completion of Barry's paintings until the alteration in 1815, published by Ackermann in 1809

Aquatint by Pugin and Rowlandson, shows the Great Room from the completion of Barry's paintings until the alteration in 1815, published by Ackermann in 1809

From the illustration in Pictorial Times of the distribution of the Society's awards by Prince Albert 10/6/1844. This image show the alterations carried out in 1814-1815. The skylight had been enlarged and the palm branch ornaments removed.

Ceiling had been decorated by D R Hay with a Gothic mosaic and the walls around the pictures with purple cloth, a central gas light had been added. From a view of the Society's Photographic Exhibition, London Illustrated News, 1/1/1853

Ink drawing by Howard Penton, 1911. Barry's paintings have been moved up to the level of the frieze, Reynold's portrait of Lord Romney has been replaced by Cope's portrait of Prince Albert and the seating has been rearranged, these changes were made in 1863-5. The ceiling decoration by Robins and Crace dates from 1882

Great Room

Great Room

Great Room

Great Room

Great Room

Great Room

Great Room

Great Room

Great Room

Great Room

First painting in the series entitled 'The Progress of Human Knowledge and Culture' by James Barry, 1777-1783

First painting in the series entitled 'The Progress of Human Knowledge and Culture' by James Barry, 1777-1783