1-216-830 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Opening of the Great Exhibition by Queen Victoria, Hyde Park, London, 1 May 1851, (1899). 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. The exhibition remained open until 15 October. An engraving from James Taylor's The Victorian Empire, William Mackenzie, (London, 1899).