Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Art > Entertainment
Sphere cover - floating gondola at the Savoy by Matania
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Sphere cover - floating gondola at the Savoy by Matania
A remarkable dinner party given at the Savoy Hotel, London by Mr G. A. Kessler who entertained twenty-four guests in a large white, gondola floating in the old courtyard of the hotel which had been specially flooded for the evening. The guests walked into the flower-decked gondola across a bridge and sat down on gold chairs at one, long table. While dinner was being served music came from another gondola floating on the water near by. Round the walls were hung Venetian scenes, including the Piazza of St. Mark and the Campanile, and white pigeons flew about or nestled among the flowers, so that the Venetian illusion was complete. The guests included the singer Caruso, Gabrielle Rejane and Edna May. The Spheres special artist, Fortunino Matania was the only one present and recorded the event with this front cover picture. Staging the event cost 3000 according to press reports. Date: 1905
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14312972
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Covers Dining Dinner Fantasy Floating Gondola Guests Lavish Luxurious Matania Savoy Sphere Kessler
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Birds
> Columbiformes
> Pigeons
> Related Images
> Arts
> Artists
> Fortunino Matania
> Arts
> Artists
> P
> those present
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Art
> Entertainment
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Art
> Music
> Related Images
> Popular Themes
> Fortunino Matania
EDITORS COMMENTS
A Night of Unforgettable Indulgence: The Savoy Hotel's Floating Gondola Dinner Party of 1905 This image, taken by renowned artist Fortunino Matania for The Sphere magazine, showcases an extraordinary event that took place at the Savoy Hotel in London on a fateful evening in 1905. The event was orchestrated by Mr. G. A. Kessler, who went above and beyond to create a Venetian fantasy for his twenty-four esteemed guests. The old courtyard of the Savoy Hotel was transformed into a shimmering Venetian lagoon, as it was specially flooded for the occasion. Guests were invited to enter the large, white gondola, adorned with gold chairs and a long table, via a bridge. The gondola was surrounded by an enchanting array of flowers, creating a magical atmosphere. As dinner was being served, music played from another gondola floating nearby, adding to the ethereal ambiance. The walls of the gondola were adorned with Venetian scenes, including the Piazza of St. Mark and the Campanile, further enhancing the illusion. White pigeons flew about or nestled among the flowers, completing the Venetian scene. Among the distinguished guests were the renowned singer Caruso, Gabrielle Rejane, and Edna May. The Spheres special artist, Fortunino Matania, was the only one present to capture this magical moment on canvas. The cost of staging this lavish event was reportedly three thousand pounds, a testament to the extravagance of the era. This image, with its dreamlike quality and intricate details, serves as a reminder of the opulence and indulgence of the Edwardian era and the extraordinary lengths to which society's elite went to create unforgettable experiences.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
