[Anon], ‘Singular Origin of Mr. Paxton’s Design for the Building in Hyde Park’

The Great Exhibition of 1851 has been seen as a pivotal moment in British design history as it seemed to symbolise both the power of the nation and at the time, display its weaknesses when compared with competitors. The ‘Crystal Palace’ building itself, designed by Joseph Paxton, was also of interest as an example of architectural engineering. The Great Exhibition of 1851 has been seen as a pivotal moment in British design history as it seemed to symbolise both the power of the nation and at the time, display its weaknesses when compared with competitors. Menai Straits to see the third tube of the Britannia Bridge placed, and on his return to Derby he had to attend to some business at the Board Room, during which, however, his whole mind was devoted to his project; and whilst the business proceeded he sketched his design on a large sheet of blotting-paper.