EDITOR’S NOTE: This is part of a weekly series on our region’s history coordinated by the Trumbull County Historical Society.
On May 1, 1851, The Great Exposition in London opened to the public.
This would be the first ever World’s Fair and attendance far exceeded expectations at 6,039,195. The event occupied 26 acres within Hyde Park, but only 19 acres were devoted to the actual exhibit space.
This was considered monumental at the time, but future world fairs would boast a much larger area (for example, the Pan American Exposition in Buffalo in 1901 made famous because that is where President William McKinley was assassinated) and was housed on 342 acres.
However, The Great Exposition set the precedence and was a major accomplishment under the reign of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
The Great Exposition materialized after Prince Albert became president of The Royal Society for Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturing, and Commerce. Prince Albert had always been an avid reader and supporter of education and technology, and it was not long before he began collaborating with Henry Cole, who was a member of this organization.
The two decided that it would be beneficial to Britain to host an international event that showcased the latest scientific and technological innovations, and artistic achievements. The building itself, known as The Crystal Palace, was an architectural achievement and was designed by Joseph Paxton, whose intent was to create a structure that resembled a greenhouse. Over half of this space was dedicated to British exhibits, but the rest was reserved for the 50 nations, including the United States and 39 colonies and/or protectorates that participated.
Queen Victoria opened The Great Exposition on May 1 and credited her husband’s vision that had become a reality. She described the international event as “one of the greatest and most glorious of our lives, and which to my pride and joy, the name of my dearly beloved Albert is for ever associated.” The event was open to the public and admission prices varied depending on the day; for example, adult admission prices ranged from 25 cents to $1.25. Season tickets could also be purchased for $15.75 for men and $10.50 for women. After a slow start, the visitors attended in droves and even included some famous names: Charles Dickens, Lewis Carroll, George Elliott and Charlotte Bronte to name a few.
The Great Exposition was more than merely an event; it set the standard for future events and established a lasting legacy. In fact, the profits made during its duration (May 1, 1851-October 11, 1851) exceeded 186,000 pounds (more than $250,000 in today’s dollars.) This profit certainly pleased Prince Albert, and he stated that the funds would be used to “increase the means of industrial education and extend the influence of science and art upon productive industry.”
A portion of the profits was used to secure land on which several museums in Britain are located today: The Royal Colleges of Art and Music, The Natural History and Science Museum, and the V & A Museum (Victoria and Albert), which houses many objects from The Great Exposition’s original exhibits. In addition, the Royal Commission continues to support science and technology by offering post graduate fellowships. Prince Albert’s vision for academic advancement should be commended as it continues to be realized.
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