The State Dining Room was unfinished when Victoria arrived at Buckingham Palace in 1837. Fond of food, and partial to hosting dinners, Victoria wasted no time in completing the work, arranging the paintings on the long wall and adding her cipher above the doors. The table has been laid for dessert. During Victoria’s reign, dessert consisted primarily of fruit in a variety of forms as well as nuts and ices. On special occasions, the Royal Confectionery produced a more elaborate centrepiece. The two shown here are based on designs by Charles Elmé Francatelli, Chief Cook to Queen Victoria from 1840.