♥︎ her stories ♥︎

Entrance to the dormitory in the Lycée Henri IV school in Paris

Wedding dress

c. 1885

maker unknown

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Ball Gown

c. 1898-1900

by Doucet

Faille & Patterned Silk Gown

c. 1880

The fifth cellar and the lake under the Opera house

The fifth cellar under the stage of the Opera Garnier still features the original stage machinery which was used to move trapdoors, set pieces and elevators. The entrance to the underground lake is located here, but access to the lake is extremely restricted.

The entrance to the lake is rather inconspicuous. There is a cage around it to make sure no unauthorized person can access it.

The ladder that descends into the lake. The lake itself holds ground water in a concrete basin. The water is fairly clean, it smells a bit like a fish tank. It is not a part of the sewer system! There apparently used to be a couple of fish living in the lake, but they are no longer there.

The water level was quite high when we visited, but when it is lower, it would be very much possible to use a boat down there. As the ceiling is low and curved, it probably makes sense that in the novel, Erik sits down and rows the boat, instead of standing up with the risk of hitting his head on the ceiling.

Afternoon Dress

c. 1889

by House of Worth

1st Class salon on the "Normandie" ocean liner