The daily gazette., 1883-02-19
5. r. Ball g co.
Re-Opening of This Handsome Wall
Paper Establishment.


Paper Establishment.
The store of Samuel r. Ball & Co., in
the Smith Building, Market street above
Sixth, was the centre OF observation Saturday
night, and no one passed the establish
ment without stopping TO inspect the many
attractions there offered. Mr.. Ball, who
has been In the business OF wall and art
decoration for is years, is always on the
lookout for new features in his business,
never being satisfied unless he can offer
extra inducements to his patrons. For
some time past his large show room has
been divided into several apartments for the
display of different styles Of paper. Having
served their purpose, however, everything
was removed, and the large salesroom
thoroughly and completely overhauled. It
now presents magnificent appearance and
far exceeds anything of the kind In Will
mington, and equals any similar display to
be found in Philadelphia or New York.
Last night the handsome new four-light
chandeliers were all burning brightly and
the large plate-glass window In front freed
from all distractions. On either side of
the window were artistic paintings of birds,
horses heads, etc. The walls of the room
are covered with variety of samples of tie
finest paper, through which are dexterously
worked hand-painted panels of birds,
flowers, etc. Along the walls next to the
ceiling is a wide band of maroon paper,
below it q delicate hand-painted border of
flowers, next large panel of old gold in
tasty figures, and at the bottom rich dado.
Between each band is q narrow bit of gold
beading. Other panels are of the same
general design. Three oil paintings, 40x36
inches, attact much attention. They repre-
sent "The Temperance Party" three horses
drinking from trough; "Contentment,"
group of two COWS and a
calf, and dining room scene, in front of
the fireplace Of which sits figure the exact
likeness of Mr.. Ball. Two large landscape
views, 9 by 4 feet, also are excellent speci-
mems of art. The ceiling of the room is a
marvel Of workmanship, the paper and the
hand painting of small vines and figures
being so delicately done US to excite wonder
in the Mid of the spectator. The rear end
70 the store is showily decorated and all the
windows and doorways are draped with
heavy old gold and maroon curtains furn-
ished by Mccartney, Kenney e. Co. The
private business office Is filed with specl-
mems of frescoing.
The upper portion of the show window
and the transOm over the front door, and
also over the entrance to the private Office,
are beautifully decorated with imitation
stained glass paper, manufactured in Bel
last, Ireland, and Tor which the firm are
agents in Wilmington.
The firm has the largest stock of artistic
wall paper in the city, and is the only con-
cern which employs Its own special artist,
who is also contributor to the Philadel-
phia Academy Of Fine Arts.
By the way 1t must not be forgotten to
state that beautifully painted FIRE screen,
In front of the door leading to the
aud granite column, near the
front door on which stands a large figure of
Atlas supporting the world, are among the
many attractions Of the place.
The painting was done by Rheu B.
French who is employed by the firm, and
is an artist of no mean ability. s. j,
W. H. Moysten, w. ]. Brown and
William M. West, all in the employ Of Ball
& Co., did the work. All visitors were
treated to refreshments at Robinson's.
Much work is done by the firm outside of
its business not being confined
exclusively to this city. They have had
several contracts for fine work in Philadel-
phia.