ABSTRACT
Displays of Ancient Egypt were a prominent feature of the 19th century metropolis. Only a few visual reminders remain of them today 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. However, in the 18th century, the Egyptian style was one of many competing styles, and the rococo, Gothic and neoclassical as well as styles from India and the Far East proved much more popular. The British Museum displayed a few curiosities such as a mummy coffin from Saqqarah that had been bequeathed to it in 1755 by Colonel William Lethieullier. Then, at the end of the century, Ancient Egypt and its architecture, iconography and decorative patterns became all the rage in London. Authoritative publications on Egypt and its monuments, with lavish and detailed illustrations, helped to raise the profile of this ancient civilization.
