ABSTRACT
Displays of Ancient Egypt were a prominent feature of the 19th century metropolis. Only a few visual reminders remain of them in London, such as the modern sphinxes guarding the upper terraces to what was once the immense exhibition building at Crystal Palace in south London. Before the 19th century, Londoners had only a limited exposure to Ancient Egypt, its monuments and culture. The Egyptian style was hardly ever used on its own and remained an extreme, cultivated taste. Then, at the end of the century, Ancient Egypt and its architecture, iconography and decorative patterns became all the rage in London. London-based designers used patterns found in French publications to introduce the Egyptian style. Rundell, Bridge and Rundell, the capital's leading goldsmiths, made use of Egyptian motifs in their neoclassical designs. Sphinxes and winged heads were incorporated into the plate that they supplied to the Prince of Wales.
