1-155-813 - Ann Ronan Picture Library/Heritage-Images

Queen Victoria opening the Great Exhibition, Crystal Palace, London, 1 May 1851. 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.