[Anon], ‘Universal Infidelity in Principles of Design’

The reports on the Great Exhibition published in The Times, and the Morning Chronicle newspapers that critiqued the display of goods yet gave praise to the Crystal Palace building itself and the machinery exhibits therein, were used as basis for this chapter. France, to which the world gives the pas, seems to the reader to be only the leader in what should rather be avoided than imitated in manufactures, and it is when England attempts to plagiarise from France that she appears to the greatest disadvantage. The only beauty attempted is that which the stringent application of mechanical science to the material world can supply, and in the truthfulness, perseverance, and severity with which that idea is carried out, there is developed a style of art at once national and grand. They may at length penetrate the secret of that happy ease and grace of style which makes Indian productions magnificent without, being in the least degree staring or pretentious.