2-888-741 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Building for the Great Industrial Exhibition, to be erected in Hyde-Park, [London], 1850. One of several designs for what came to be known as the 'Crystal Palace', designed by Joseph Paxton: '...a faithful representation of what this monster edifice will be when built, though representations and words will give to the mind no idea of the enormous space in length and width the building will cover...we should observe, that, for the sake of showing the building, we have removed a row of trees skirting the carriage-drive in the Park, but in reality they will not be touched. The simple massive character of the design made for the great building contrasts oddly with the praises lavished by the building committee on certain drawings sent in competition, especially on those executed by foreigners...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.