Great Exhibition of 1851

Also known as: Crystal Palace Exhibition

The Great Exhibition of 1851, held in London’s Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, was the first international exhibition of industry and culture. Organised under the patronage of Prince Albert, it displayed innovations in manufacturing, technology, science, and the decorative arts from Britain and many other countries. The exhibition attracted about six million visitors and symbolised Britain’s industrial leadership during the Victorian era.

A well-known story tells that David Brewster presented his stereoscope to Queen Victoria at the Great Exhibition, and that her enthusiasm for the viewer marked the beginning of stereoscopomania. The only source for this story is Brewster himself, and it is unlikely that this event actually took place.

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