The painting by Rutherford from 1875 displays some of the costumes at a costume skating party in Halifax.
The Halifax Skating Club was formed in 1862, and skating on Griffin’s Pond in the Horticultural Society’s grounds became a very popular pastime. By January 1863 the skaters had developed a barn sitting adjacent to the pond into an indoor skating rink complete with gas lighting to enable evening ‘ice dancing’ and fancy costume balls.
From Public Gardens Board
We wish you all Joy, Love, Peace and Safety into the new year. Let us be Merry and celebrate that we are all still here. A gift of song and dance for you to bring on more Cheer!
