History

Background

‘The Crystal Palace’ as it became known, was originally created in 1851 to house ‘The Great Exhibition of the Works and Industry of all Nations.’

It was an ambitious project and was to be the biggest exhibition that had ever been held internationally. This brainchild of Henry Cole and Prince Albert was created to show off the products of the developed, industrialised world in the Victorian era.

Joseph Paxton’s innovative design of glass and iron was chosen to house the exhibition in Hyde Park. Paxton was primarily known as a gardener, but was experienced at designing gardens, greenhouses, conservatories and systems of fountains - famously at Chatsworth.

The exhibition was a huge success, (with six million visitors in the just over 5 months that it was open) and many people wanted it to continue. Although approval was not granted for it to remain in Hyde Park, a group including Paxton got together to form ‘The Crystal Palace Company’ and chose a new site on 200 acres at the rural location of Sydenham Hill (now 'Crystal Palace Park').

Paxton wanted the Crystal Palace to become a ‘Winter Park and Garden’ and due to a redesign and expansion on the Hyde Park building, the palace and gardens took two years to create. It was open to the public between 1854 and 1936.

Join the trail to find out more about the Palace and Park!

The Crystal Palace in Hyde Park

Lithograph by Charles Burton
Copyright: V&A Images. Museum number: 19614