Inside the Crystal Palace (1851). Printed by Waterlow & Sons, London
“The opening of the Great Exhibition of 1851 by Queen Victoria, in Hyde Park, on May 1st.” (Image caption).
“The Royal Party can be seen on the dais with the Commissioners and other officials standing round the great glass fountain beneath the arched Transept roof.” (Accompanying description)
A postcard-sized reproduction (E.58, Wt. 18126), from a contemporary lithograph in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Waterlow & Sons was in business from 1810 to 1961. The company was founded by James Waterlow and initially focused on legal document printing and copying. Over time, it expanded into printing stamps, banknotes, bonds, maps, and postcards.
The Great Exhibition of 1851 is widely considered the first World's Fair. It was a groundbreaking event that showcased industrial advancements and artistic creations from around the globe, attracting millions of visitors and setting a precedent for future international exhibitions.
The Great Exhibition was largely the brainchild of Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria. While other individuals like Henry Cole were involved, Prince Albert was the driving force behind the project, using his position as head of the Royal Society of Arts to champion and organize the event.
Inside the Crystal Palace (1851). Printed by Waterlow & Sons, London
“The opening of the Great Exhibition of 1851 by Queen Victoria, in Hyde Park, on May 1st.” (Image caption).
“The Royal Party can be seen on the dais with the Commissioners and other officials standing round the great glass fountain beneath the arched Transept roof.” (Accompanying description)
A postcard-sized reproduction (E.58, Wt. 18126), from a contemporary lithograph in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Waterlow & Sons was in business from 1810 to 1961. The company was founded by James Waterlow and initially focused on legal document printing and copying. Over time, it expanded into printing stamps, banknotes, bonds, maps, and postcards.
The Great Exhibition of 1851 is widely considered the first World's Fair. It was a groundbreaking event that showcased industrial advancements and artistic creations from around the globe, attracting millions of visitors and setting a precedent for future international exhibitions.
The Great Exhibition was largely the brainchild of Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria. While other individuals like Henry Cole were involved, Prince Albert was the driving force behind the project, using his position as head of the Royal Society of Arts to champion and organize the event.