1882--Opening of the Royal Courts - What a Great Find!

Many of us when in London have visited the Royal Courts and walked through the grounds outside the different Inns of Court. This collector's item features the opening of the Royal Courts in 1882. It is the Saturday December 6, 1882, issue of "The Graphic"-London's then leading illustrated weekly. Our copy is in extremely good condition. It runs 30 pages and is in the large 12" X 15 3/4" format. What makes it so special is that in text and illustrations it features the Courts' opening--designed by famous UK architect G.A. Street.

Previously, the court was located in Westminster. The new court buildings were some 8 years under construction and design. It was with much anticipation when they opened. The text describes how throngs descended to see the attending ceremony--"From an early hour the railway stations disgourged heavily-laden trains from the suburbs and the country, and cabs soon became difficult to find..." The Lord Chief Justice was dressed in scarlet and ermine...the Queen came in from Winsor...the Japanese envoy was dressed in "a suit which seemed all gold...and the American in the severity of strict evening costume."

But, what makes this issue so special are the 15 detailed and very clear illustrations showing just what transpired. One image shown on the left is the center spread. The other is not of the opening but is a copy of a painting by J. Morgan. Note that the client because he is unable to speak directly to the Barrister speaks through the solicitor.

1882 Opening of the Royal Courts Item # N397 - $145