West View of the Assembly House

The Assembly Rooms in Derby were built between 1765-1774. Funds for the building were raised by local subscription. The architect was Joseph Pickford and the design was possibly partially by the 5th Earl Ferrers. These social meeting rooms were used to host balls, music recitals, dinners and other social occasions. The building was sold to Derby Corporation in 1931. It continued to be used as a popular dance hall and venue until it was damaged by a fire in 1963. The building was demolished and the five-bay stone facade re-erected at the Tramway Museum, Crich, Derbyshire.

This image is one of a collection by the famous local antiquarian, Thomas Bateman, of Middleton by Youlgreave. (1821-1861). Bateman organized his collection by inserting them into a 4 volume copy of Lysons Magna Britannia, Derbyshire, creating a fascinating and unique illustrated record of the county.