ABSTRACT
The first major structure to use cast iron successfully had, of course, been the famous Ironbridge of 1779. For the modern architect, and to a certain extent by association, the Crystal Palace of 1851 has come to represent a structure, futuristic in intent, which the builders of the 19th century had but to follow in order to attain the fully developed modern steel structural system. The misconception is the widespread belief that the Crystal Palace was built only of cast iron and glass. This statement was culled uncritically from the many lay reports of the time which appeared in journals and newspapers all over Britain, Europe and the United States. The most interesting follow-up of the Crystal Palace was the Museum of Art and Science of 1855–1856 which stood on the site now occupied by part of the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington. Stiffness was sought through portal bracing incorporating the wrought iron roof trusses.
