On 21 June 1887 Queen Victoria recorded in her journal, 'we dined in the Supper Room which looked splendid with the Buffet covered with the gold plate. The table was a large horseshoe one, with many lights on it.' The occasion was her Golden Jubilee Banquet, at which two large buffets of gilt plate from the Grand Service stood beside the table at Buckingham Palace. Lighting was crucial to the display, and candelabra and mirrors on the tables were designed to catch the gleam of the gilt plate. Small paper shades on metal frames were also placed on top of the candles so that the light was dispersed, creating the dazzling effect seen in this watercolour.