The splendid building belonging to the "Oxford and Cam bridge University Club," erected from the designs of Sir Robert and Mr. Sydney Smirk, adjoins the Carlton. The front of the University club-house extends 87 feet in width, and the height from the ground line to the top is 57 feet. An entablature, marking the separation of the ground story from the principal floor, and projecting forward in the centre of the building over four Corinthian columns, divides the front horizontally into two equal parts. The centre space on the ground floor is occupied by the portico, which projects to the front line of the area ; the entrance to the hall being formed by the centre intercolumniation, which is wider than the rest ; the four columns stand upon pedestals, four feet high, with base mouldings and cornice. The upper part of the building is terminated with a delicate Corinthian entab lature and balustrade, breaking forward with the centre of the building, which con esponds in width with the portico : the front being thus vertically divided into three compart ments, the side ones assuming the appearance of wings, while the effect of a centre, indicated by the projecting portico on the ground-floor, is maintained throughout the whole height of the building. The angles of the centre division, on the principal story, are formed of rusticated pilasters ; the principal window occupying the space between these pilasters. Similar rusticated pilasters also divide each wing on the principal floor into three equal oblong recessed spaces, containing windows similar to the window above described. A balcony, projecting 3 feet, continues throughout the whole line of front, the parapet being formed of pedestals with intervening panels of richly designed foliage, cast in metal in high relict; and the landing supported by elaborately enriched consoles. The frieze of the entablature over the ground-story is filled with convex panels, enriched with laurel leaves, and over each column of the portico are shields hearing the arias of the Universities. The whole of the ornamental detail throughout, is designed to correspond in richness of effect with the Corinthian capitals of the columns, which have their central volutes entwined. Below the ground-story are mezzanine and basement stories.
In the panels above the windows of the principal floor, are bas-reliefs illustrating those exalted labours of the mind, which it is the peculiar province of the Universities to foster. We not space to describe these beautiful ornaments more minutely, but they are well worthy a careful examination, and reflect credit on the taste of the architects, and on the liberality of their employers. The arrangements of the interior are planned with great judgment, and afford every accommoda tion to the members of the club ; but as a great similarity must necessarily exist in all establishments devoted to purposes, it is unnecessary to describe them.
On the opposite side of Pall Mall, is the new building erect ed for the " Army and Navy Club," an engraving of which, with a plan of the ground-floor, is here given. The architects are Messrs. Parnell and Smith. The fidlowing description, principally taken from that very useful publication, "The Builder," gives a good idea of the structure :— " Although the design is based on the Cornaro palace on the grand canal at Venice, it differs materially from that building. The palace has three stories above the basement, Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, and shows the roof, terminating on the modillion cornice of the upper order, as at the llefimn club ; the frieze being devoid of sculpture, and having oval openings to light an attic story. In the club-house, the general arrangement of the ground and first floor elevation of the palazzo has been adopted, but coupled Corinthian columns have been substituted for the Ionic of the latter, and the building terminates with the entablature of the order, highly enriched with sculpture and a balustrade.
"The entrance to the building is from George-street, by a flight of steps leading to a recessed portico. On the left of the entrance-hall, is a morning-room corresponding to a coffee-room on the opposite side; there is also a reception room. The eoffee-room is lighted from each end, and an elliptical dome in the centre : the dome has an exterior covering of glass, between which it is proposed to light the room at night by a gas device encircling the whole circum ference. By this arrangement, the necessity for any gas burners will be avoided, and a hot-air chamber provided, which, by the aid of flues, will afford a system of ventilation. Between this room and the strangers' coffee-room, lighted and ventilated in the same manner, and communicating with each, is placed the serving-room, connected with the kitchen by a lift, and the butler's serving-room : from this last is a direct communication to the dispensing cellars, while the room will be fitted up with ice-bins, hot and cold water, and presses for the reception of glass : there is also a separate entrance from the still-room. At the extremity of the build ing is placed the house dining-room, which has a separate communication with the kitchen.
"The mezzanine floor is appropriated to the members' bath and dressing rooms, and the housekeeper's department. The first floor is approached by a flight of steps, one branch of which leads to the secretary's room, and upper floor, the hitter containing billiard. card, and smoking rooms—the other to the evening-room, library, :Ind writing-room. The evening or drawing-room, is 76 feet by 28 feet ; the library. 40 feet by 32 feet ; writing-room, 33 feet by 18 feet. There are besides the rooms we have mentioned, a great number of others of the usual description in similar establishments." It would be impossible, without occupying more space than can be allotted to this article, already extended beyond its due limits, to describe in detail the several handsome mansions in which other clubs, under various designathws, have located themselves. The " University" in Suffolk-place —the " Union," one of the oldest and most select of London clubs—the "Conservative," erected in S. ,I ames's-street, on the site of the well-known Thab•ied l Ieuse Tavern, and a host of others, are all deserving the study of the architectural student. In sonic, beauties of the highest order command his attention ; in others, defects, he should mark, in order to avoid ; in all, much may be learnt as to arrangement of apartments, and those details of convenience on which so much of the comfort and economy of it large establish ment depends.
In conclusion, we would observe only, that whatever May be the faults of some of these building-, the fbrmathin of the present club system has been the means of adorning the west end of London with a number of splendid la ffises, talon and taste; and completed at an expenditure of the most liberal and extensive character. Nor has this been confined to London alone, the example has been followed in the country ; and in many of the provincial cities and towns, clubs ha% e beefs formed, and club-houses built on a scale of magnitude and splendour rivalling those in the metropolis. It is scarcely within our province, to remark on the effect the rapid extension of clubs may have on the usages of society in general ; but we may be permitted to say that any stem which tends to the adornment of our cities with magnificent structures decorated in the most expensive man ner, and filled with costly furniture, and luxurious productions in every department of art, cannot but have a refining influ ence 011 the taste of the rising generation, while allbrding employment to professional talent, and to hundreds of skilful arti-ans.