2-756-405 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

'The Opening of the Great Exhibition by Queen Victoria on May 1st, 1851', (1942). Queen Victoria (1819-1901) opening the Great Exhibition in the purpose-built Crystal Palace in London's Hyde Park. Conceived by her husband Prince Albert, the exhibition was intended to showcase the 'Works of the Industry of all Nations'. The Crystal Palace was the first large-scale prefabricated ferrovitreous (iron and glass) structure, and was designed by the landscape designer, Joseph Paxton. The prefabricated design made the construction, and later dismantling of the building, easier and quicker. There were over six million admissions counted at the toll-gates - the exhibition remained open until 15 October. The entire glass building was then dismantled and re-erected in Sydenham, south London. From "Life Among the English", by Rose Macaulay. [Collins, London, 1942]