The Railway Hotel

The Galway Express, 11th April 1885

Having heard so many persons speak in praise of the magnificent alterations made in the interior of, the Railway Hotel consequent on the manner in which it has been metamorphosed at the hands of Mr Martin, the eminent painter and decorator, of Stephen's Green, Dublin, we made it our business to give a call at the hotel, in order to satisfy ourselves as to the certainly of the matter, and, indeed, we may fairly say, we are amply satisfied at our visit. Though perfectly familiar with the interior of the hotel, and the appearance of its style of decoration, we acknowledge we were not a little surprised at the extraordinary change, as if by the magician's wand, that had taken place within the limits of a few months. The ball—room has altogether undergone a change most astonishing, and it would be well worth the while of those who have a taste for the fine arts to pay it a visit. Its appearance at once delights the eye, and the exquisite manner in which the ceiling work has been executed is almost sufficient to keep the observer spell—bound. The doors, in every instance, show a perfect master—hand in the art of graining, for it would take a most expert critic to detect the artifice, it so strikingly resembles Nature, and so beautifully is the work made to deceive the eye, that any casual observer would believe the wood—work to be solid Irish oak. The pillars in the hall would at once lead to the belief that they were only after leaving the marble mill, so perfect are they an imitation of pure marble. The same may be said of those of the stairway. They are made to represent Florentine marble, and we need only say they do that, and to perfection. To dwell upon the skill and taste displayed in the painting of the railway hotel would be superfluous on our part, but suffice it to say, that the work should be seen to be properly appreciated, for nothing of its kind has yet been seen in this part of the country, but we trust it will not be long so, for, as Mr. Martin has resolved to make Galway one of his centre, and has already received various orders from gentlemen in this district, we may soon be able to compete at this time, at all events, with some of the more elegantly got up establishments in other parts of the kingdom. We wish Mr Martin success, and a huge increase of business to big profession ??? the people of the West.