ABSTRACT
Several hundred thousand women – possibly more than a million – visited the Exhibition during the summer of 1851. Although some doubtless were attracted to the agricultural machinery, philosophical instruments and samples of grain, others would have been drawn instead to the ornate parasols, fashionable gloves, attractive jewellery, fine fabrics, beautiful dresses and delicate embroidery. The ‘lady’ who wrote this six-part article published in the Illustrated London News (ILN) drew attention to just these types of exhibit. A relatively small number of exhibits were described in this ‘Lady’s Glance’, but the selected displays were often described in considerable detail and contain specific information about their origin and production. This series of articles is highly informative and constitutes far more than a mere ‘glance’ at the Exhibition. The ILN, which was read principally by the middle and upper classes, frequently carried articles of primary interest to women, such as accounts of the latest Paris fashions.
