On Monday last the handsome and capacious building, in St. James's-street, known as "the St. James's Bazaar," was opened to the public for the exhibition of decorative works sent in, pursuant to notices issues in June, 1843, by her Majesty's Commissioners on the Fine Arts. The bazaar is well adapted for the purpose, forming one extensive saloon, nearly 200 feet long, by 49 wide. Along the centre is placed a screen, against the sides of which are ranged many specimens of carved work; whilst the painted glass and designs for ornamental pavement occupy respectively the positions afforded by the windows and walls of the building.

from The Illustrated London News, 1844