3-008-401 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Progress of the International Exhibition building: finial of the Eastern Dome, [South Kensington, London], 1862. 'A ceremony something in the nature of a coronation has taken place...by the erection of the gilded finial or terminal on the summit of the eastern dome. This ornament consists of a ball 7ft. in circumference, from which projects perpendicularly a long spike; both are richly gilt, and they shine and glitter in the most satisfactory manner. Our Engraving represents this finial as it lay on the ground prepared for hoisting to the top of the dome. This circumstance may be said to have celebrated the completion, so far as its main features of construction axe concerned, of the eastern dome. On Saturday last, at three o'clock, the centreings or supports of the twelve ribs were struck away, and the immense mass of metal stood for the first time supported alone by the columns, and groined girders...The visitors and watchers of the proceedings were hoisted up to the crown of the dome in a wooden box...The first portion of the ironwork of this dome was raised on Dec. 7, so that, notwithstanding its enormous size, it has been constructed in its most important parts in some sixty-two days'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.