Three Doorways, ca.1886

From: Henry Dixon & Son

RA Collection: Art

"That on the left-hand is No.26, Queen Square, Westminster, perhaps the best example to be found here; another doorway on a smaller scale being given in No.114. At the side of No.26 is one of the old extinguishers, used for putting out links or torches. The middle doorway is that of No.9, Grosvenor Road, a name given of late years to what was formerly a portion of Millbank. It is hardly necessary to call attention to the very graceful character of the whole design. The doorway on the right is from No.17, Delahay Street, given by Mr Hare - I fear without sufficient authority- as that of Judge Jefferies' house. (Walks in London, ii.226.) The house has been lately rebuilt, but the canopy is retained."

The above description, by Alfred Marks, was taken from the letterpress which accompanies the photographs. Although Grosvenor Road still exists, Queen Square, Westminster and Delahay Street do not. Delahay street existed between King Street and St James's Park and was later absorbed into Duke Street. Other examples of extinguishers, used for putting out torches and links, can still be seen in central London, for example in Duke of York Street. A link was a torch of pitch and tow (coarse flax or hemp) held by a Linkman or Linkboy to assist people to see their way.