[Anon.], ‘The Opening of the Great Exhibition’, Civil Engineer and Architect’s journal (1851)

On Thursday, the opening of the Great Exhibition took place, with one of the most remarkable celebrations the world has yet seen. The opening is of itself the more noticeable, as evidently the greatest exertion had been made to effect it on the day named. The unfinished catalogue, brought out under every difficulty, but punctual to the day, was a type put into your hands at the door, and the evidence of which was borne out on any inspection beyond the main avenue of the building. This state of affairs was most observable in the foreign part of the Exhibition, where many counters are incomplete, or even the flooring left unoccupied. So far as the general effect is concerned, there was, however, quite enough done to redeem the pledge of opening on the first of May; and when it is considered how many circumstances have interfered with the foreign arrangements, no blame is attributable to the commissioners. The delays in arrivals from abroad, caused by ice-bound streams and contrary winds, have arisen from obstacles which could not be overcome; but the bickerings among the French, United States, and other exhibitors, have not been less effective in producing delay, and are the more to be regretted.