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: 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 in the Exhibition

Art Historical Context

This 1851 etching captures a pivotal moment in the opening ceremony of the Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, held in London’s Crystal Palace. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert preside over the event, with the Archbishop offering a prayer for divine blessing on the exhibits. The view, taken from the southwest gallery, emphasizes the vast scale of the iron-and-glass structure designed by Sir Joseph Paxton and the enormous crowd gathered below. The print commemorates Britain’s celebration of industrial progress and international trade at the height of the Victorian era. Prince Albert played a leading role in organizing the exhibition, which attracted millions of visitors and showcased inventions from around the world. Figures such as the Duke of Wellington and the royal couple underscore the event’s prestige, while the detailed etching technique allowed for wide distribution of this historic scene. Created through a collaborative effort involving artists like George Cruikshank and publisher David Bogue, the work highlights the era’s fascination with both technological achievement and royal spectacle. Its panoramic composition invites viewers to imagine the awe-inspiring atmosphere of that May day in 1851.

About the Artist

Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha|Queen Victoria|Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington|David Bogue|George Cruikshank|Sir Joseph Paxton (British|British|British) · 1819 |1800 |1819 –1861 |1900 |1901

German, Coburg 1819–1861 Windsor| |British, London 1819–1901 East Cowes, Isle of Wight