The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of all Nations took place in Hyde Park, London, from 1 May to 15 October 1851. It was the first in a series of World's Fair exhibitions of culture and industry that became popular during the 19th century. The Great Exhibition was organised by Prince Albert and Henry Cole. A special building, nicknamed the Crystal Palace, was designed by Joseph Paxton to house the exhibition. It took the form of a massive glass house that encompassed several trees in the park, as can be seen in this picture. The crystal fountain 'perhaps the most striking object in the exhibition' according to the Art Journal, can be seen here, with the royal party under the baldacchino (canopy). Queen Victoria is standing in front of the chair of state with Prince Albert behind her.

About 25,000 spectators were admitted to the opening ceremony. Queen Victoria later described the day of the opening 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'. By the time the exhibition closed, more than six million visitors had been to see it.

Signed and dated: J.D. Wingfield / May 1851.