1-155-808 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Queen Victoria opening the Great Exhibition, Crystal Palace, London, 1 May 1851. At the top are portraits of Victoria and of the two uncles who reigned before her, George IV and William IV. Conceived by Prince Albert, the Great Exhibition was intended to showcase the 'Works of the Industry of all Nations'. It was housed in the purpose-built Crystal Palace, the first large-scale prefabricated ferrovitreous (iron and glass) structure, designed by the landscape designer, Joseph Paxton. The prefabricated design made the construction, and later dismantling of the building, easier and quicker.