Title:
The Opening of the Great Industrial Exhibition of All Nations, by Her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria and His Royal Highness
Prince Albert, on the 1st of May, 1851
Creator/Contributor:
George Cruikshank, 1792-1878, British; David Bogue, London, publisher
Date:
1851
Identifier:
1989.21.1558
Format:
Print
Etching with hand coloring
Notes:
In addition to illustrating Henry Mayhew's serialized novel, "1851, or the Adventures of Mr. and Mrs. Sandboys and Family,
who came up to London to Enjoy Themselves and to See the Great Exhibition," Cruikshank made this etching of the international
exhibition at the Crystal Palace. With approximately 25,000 in attendance on May 1, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert officially
opened the exhibition of industrial, scientific, and aesthetic products and enterprises.
Catalogue Raisonne: Reid 2542; Douglas 1433; Cohn 1814
Inscription: Recto, in plate at base of crystal fountain at l.r., "Drawn & Etched by / George Cruikshank;" in plate below
design, "Taken on the spot by GEORGE CRUIKSHANK" at l.l.; "Published by David Bogue, 86, Fleet Street, London, June 29th 1851"
at l.r.; title and "The View is taken from the South West Gallery, at the time when the Archbishop is offering up a Prayer
for the Divine blessing upon the objects of this Great Exhibition" at lower edge; Verso, Vogler's stamp in black ink at l.l.
Subject:
Crystal Palace (London, England); Great Exhibition (1851: London, England); world's fairs; exhibitions; ceremonies