The Mayo Hall

The Victorian era (1837- 1901) was the era progress and prosperity, the same was immensely reflected in the art & architectures that were commissioned during this age in U.K. while India being the jewel of the Crown there was nothing to be set against of…

This was the phase of excessive ornamentations whether in Fittings, Fixtures or Furnishings which can be clearly seen in the styling of the Mayo Memorial in Allahabad. The memorial is a big assembly hall situated in the vicinity Muir Central College of Allahabad University; this is a huge red-brick structure from the late 19th century and has a 180-ft high tower and a spire that acts as a superstructure to the main edifice…

Interestingly 180-ft minaret tower of the Mayne Memorial has a design very similar to its contemporaries such as the Muir College and Mayne Memorial of Alfred Park that have towers elevated up to 200 and 180 feet respectively…

The Mayo Memorial once known as Town Hall, was originally built in 1879 in the memory of Lord Mayo, Viceroy of India from 1869 to 1872 who was assassinated by Sher Ali Afridi (a convict) at Port Blair in the Andaman Islands.

Also it is worth mentioning that Viceroy Mayo (Richard Southwell Bourke, 6th Earl of Mayo) is the same personality who founded the prestigious Mayo College of Ajmer in 1875. The college is one among of the oldest public boarding schools of the country that was once referred to as India’s Eton (college).

The hall is a classic example Indian Neo-Gothic style of architecture designed by eminent British architect Richard Roskell Bayne who received his training under Sir Charles Barry’s office whilst who (Barry) is best known for his role in the rebuilding of the Palace of Westminster, a.k.a. ‘Houses of Parliament’ in London.
The building was raised to be used for holding Public Meetings, Balls and Receptions in the commemoration of assassinated Viceroy Mayo.

Famous for its well preserved Marble-Mosaic Victorian floorings and Decorative Columns, the interior of the Mayo Hall building was ornamented & designed by the famous English artist ‘James Gamble’ of the South Kensington Museum or the Victoria and Albert Museum – London. Gamble was among the few of the most influential and celebrated Victorian artists who have ever lived in the 19th century U.K. One of the café’s ‘The Gamble Room’ at V & A museum (the Refreshment Rooms) is named after James Gamble.

The impressive style of Mayo Memorial seems to be the part of the same legacy that has been started off by Thornhill-Mayne Memorial in 1864. The Ornamental Columns, The Tower, The Finial and the Reliefs etc. it all appears to be inspired by the beauty and elegance of the Mayne Memorial ….