The first world-exhibition. It took place in London in 1851 and its focus was on the international developments in engineering, science, economy and arts.

The idea

Inspired by the Parisian Exposition of 1849, the idea to bring such an event to England arose. But as the President, Prince Albert, was not interested in an exhibition of national goods, it was to be a Great Exhibition - international and presenting the visitors the developments in engineering, science, economy and arts.

Opponents and fears

The business and the industry were delighted. But still, there were opponents. And even though the exhibition hall was finished within six month after a blueprint by Sir Joseph Paxton, who was known for his constructions of gigantic conservatories made of glass and iron, there were still critical voices:

Mathematicians calculated that the 'Crystal Palace' would fall apart in the first strong breeze.
Engineers foresaw that the galleries would break, striking the visitors to death.
Economists claimed that the huge masses would create inflation in London.
Physicians had visions of the Black Death of the Middle Ages coming back through the contact of so many different races.
Moralists believed that Britain would be inculcated with all vices of the civilised and uncivilised world.
Theologians saw a second tower of Babel that would attract God's anger.

Prince Albert's health was affected by all the energy he put into this project, he was over-worked.

The building

The building, 563 by 139 metres and 24 metres high, was situated in Hyde Park. It consisted of 3.300 hollow cast-iron columns, 2.300 wrought-iron arches and 300.000 windows. This made it look delicate, light and airy. Its visual appearance gave it the name: 'Crystal Palace'.

The opening

On May 1, 1851, the Queen was followed by 700,000 people to celebrate the opening of the first world-exhibition. Finally, the concerns vanished. The Times that had fought against this project to the finish, could not find the right words to describe these overwhelming impressions. It was some kind of an eighth wonder of the world: 90,000m2 with 14,000 exhibitors and more than 100,000 exhibits. You were presented everything form engineering, arts to craftworks and kitsch.

Additionally, Albert had planned model homes for the working class to be shown close by the barracks in Hyde Park. These houses had a living-room, three bedrooms, a scullery and were designed to accommodate four working-class families. New to the construction of these houses was the use of hollow-bricks that should keep them dry, save them from fire and reduce noise.

Complete Success

All in all, the Queen visited the Great Exhibition 34 times until it closed on October 15. More than 6,000,000 people came to the 'Crystal Palace' during this time. But this was not only coping with the masses but it also asked for masterly achievements in logistics and concerning the railway.

Finally, the financial success of the exhibition was remarkable: 186,000 pounds profit. This money was used for a new educational centre placed in South Kensington, which would be later known as 'Albertropolis'. The Victoria and Albert Museum is part of this complex.

What happened to the 'Crystal Palace'?

After the exhibition closed its gates, the exhibition hall was pulled down and rebuilt again in Sydenham and used for various purposes. But in November 30, 1936, a damaged gas supply line set the building on fire and even the fire brigades could not save it.

Sources

Duff, David: Victoria and Albert: Eine königliche Liebe. München: Wilhem Heye Verlag, 1990.

Lotz, Jürgen: Victoria. Hamburg: Rowohlt Taschenbuch Verlag, 2000.

Victorian Station: The Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace. 06. May 2010. [1]

Victorian Web: The Crystal Palace, or The Great Exhibition of 1851: An Overview. 06. May 2010. [2]