Great Exhibition of 1851 – Souvenir Inkwell

Description of this souvenir inkwell from the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London:

• Glass Body: The inkwell’s main body is made of clear glass. It has a distinctive, somewhat organic or star-shaped base with multiple molded lobes that radiate outwards.
• Brass Lid with Crystal Palace Imprint: The brass lid is circular and features a raised, detailed relief depiction of the Crystal Palace, the iconic venue of the Great Exhibition. Below the Palace image, the words “LONDON 1851” are cast into the brass.

History and Significance of the Great Exhibition of 1851 and the Crystal Palace:

The inkwell serves as a tangible memento of one of the 19th century’s most significant cultural and industrial events:

• The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations (1851): This was the first in a series of World’s Fairs (or Universal Expositions) and was held in Hyde Park, London, from May 1 to October 15, 1851. It was conceived by Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s consort, to showcase Britain’s industrial prowess and global influence, as well as to highlight human achievement in arts, industry, and technology from around the world.
• A Symbol of the Victorian Era: The Exhibition was a monumental success, attracting over six million visitors. It symbolized the peak of British industrial power and technological innovation during the Victorian era. It showcased everything from machinery and raw materials to fine arts and manufactured goods from various countries.
• The Crystal Palace: The Exhibition’s most famous and innovative structure was the Crystal Palace.
  • Architectural Marvel: Designed by Joseph Paxton, it was an enormous modular structure made almost entirely of cast iron and plate glass. Its transparent walls and roof allowed natural light to flood the interior, a revolutionary concept for its time. It covered 19 acres and was over 1,800 feet long.
  • Construction Speed: Its prefabricated components allowed for incredibly rapid construction (just nine months), demonstrating new possibilities in industrial building techniques.
  • Legacy: After the Exhibition, the Crystal Palace was dismantled and re-erected in Sydenham Hill, South London, where it stood until it was destroyed by fire in 1936. Its groundbreaking design influenced subsequent architecture and exhibition halls worldwide.