The Grandeur of the Crystal Palace
With the construction of the Crystal Palace being such a spectacle, many art pieces were created to showcase the beauty of its creation. Not only were there pieces written that emphasized the objects throughout the Great Exhibition, but there were also paintings and drawings made that placed the exterior of the Crystal Palace into the spotlight. The creative art made during the Great Exhibition allows reflection on the capitalist nature growing within British society, as well as the great pride they had in their nation.
Crystal Palace from the Northeast
This painting shows the size of the Crystal Palace, and the effort and care taken to create a spectacle for all to see. The sheer grandness of the Crystal Palace and how it is portrayed by British society shows the pride Britain took in creating such a spectacle that many traveled to witness. The families and individuals outside of the Crystal Palace also show who the Crystal Palace was advertised towards, as those portrayed in the painting seem to be of upper class, with carriages and extravagant clothing.
Plan of the Crystal Palace
This floor plan of the Crystal Palace shows the various sections and nations represented in the Great Exhibition and highlights what was thought of to be important to show in the Crystal Palace. It highlights the types of advancements that were deemed worthy of being shown, as well as the products that were important to Britain at the time. This is important in showing the growth of consumerism, and what was advertised to all who visited the Crystal Palace, especially the upper class.
Opening of the Great Exhibition
This drawing shows the opening of the Great Exhibition, specifically highlighting the attendance of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Albert. With the attendance of the royal family portrayed, as well as other individuals important to Britain, such as military officials, this drawing shows the importance of the Great Exhibition to Britain. As the aim was to make Britain a centre for global trade, the attendance of such important individuals to the grand opening meant that those in power held great pride in the Crystal Palace and all that it signified.
Illustrated Exhibitor
This large collection has a lot of information about the setup of the Crystal Palace and objects within it, such as the architecture of the Crystal Palace, and the contributions of various nations. The difference in the description of British-made objects versus other nations' objects is important in understanding the exoticism and “otherness” that the Great Exhibition caused. This collection uses language such as “peculiar” and “strange,” and pushes the ideas of Britain being superior to other nations and their products.