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The Purpose, Impact and Legacy of the Great Exhibition of 1851

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Ralph, Shauna (2022) The Purpose, Impact and Legacy of the Great Exhibition of 1851. Masters thesis, University of Gloucestershire. doi:10.46289/7K4D9J2T

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Abstract

The Great Exhibition of 1851 saw the first world’s fair organised by members of the Society of Arts (such as Henry Cole, and Prince Albert), who later formed the Royal Commission for the Great Exhibition of 1851. In the six months of it being open, the event would attract over six million visitors who came to see displays of machinery, fine art, raw materials, and manufacturing. With over 13,000 exhibits and 100,000 items, those attending this event were able to see first-hand items from countries such as France, Germany, the United States, Russia and exhibits directly from Britain and the Empire. The event proved to be a huge success, with people coming from all over the world to see the Crystal Palace, and with a profit of over £180,000 as a result. With this profit, the Royal Commission set up educational institutions that still stand today (the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum) demonstrating the long-lasting impact the Exhibition has had.

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Thesis (Masters)

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