
The Great Exhibition
John R. Davis(Author)
The History Press Ltd
Published on 28. May 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
978-1-83705-212-7 (ISBN)
Description
The Great Exhibition of 1851 was the world's first international exposition of manufactured goods, inventions, works of art and artefacts from many cultures. A showcase of British manufacturing supremacy, an educational extravaganza, a lesson to foreigners and a deep source of public fascination, the Exhibition was closely connected with Queen Victoria's consort, Prince Albert, who put much effort into having it sited in Hyde Park against stiff opposition.
Protesters feared the disappearance of the park under tons of bricks and mortar, but when the great structure was eventually chosen and built, it silenced dissenters and became the most famous new building in the world. During its six months, the Exhibition's 100,000 exhibits were seen by over 6 million people who came to celebrate Britain's industrial ascendancy and sparked a renewed confidence in the possibilities of peaceful social progress.
In The Great Exhibition, John R. Davis explores the organisation and implementation of the event, and delves into its wider significance and the historical debates surrounding it. Complete with insights into the event's part in the construction of the modern world, this accessible history showcases the pinnacle of Victorian innovation.
Protesters feared the disappearance of the park under tons of bricks and mortar, but when the great structure was eventually chosen and built, it silenced dissenters and became the most famous new building in the world. During its six months, the Exhibition's 100,000 exhibits were seen by over 6 million people who came to celebrate Britain's industrial ascendancy and sparked a renewed confidence in the possibilities of peaceful social progress.
In The Great Exhibition, John R. Davis explores the organisation and implementation of the event, and delves into its wider significance and the historical debates surrounding it. Complete with insights into the event's part in the construction of the modern world, this accessible history showcases the pinnacle of Victorian innovation.
More details
Edition
New edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Stroud
United Kingdom
Edition type
New edition
Illustrations
75 Illustrations, black and white
Dimensions
Height: 233 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 28 mm
Weight
432 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-83705-212-7 (9781837052127)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Person
John R. Davis is Director of Heritage Management at Historic Royal Palaces, responsible for the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace, Banqueting House and Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. He is also Professor in Heritage at Queen Mary University of London. He has published extensively on British and German history, exhibitions and international relations. He gained his MA at Aberdeen University and a PhD at Glasgow University.