Paxton's design for the 'Crystal Palace', 1850.

Engraving taken from the 'Illustrated London News' , showing Paxton's succesful design for the Crystal Palace, submitted after Isambard Kingdom Brunel's original design elicited a negative public response after publiction in the ILN. The 'Great Exhibition of the Works of the Industry of all Nations' was conceived by Prince Albert (1819-1861). The Crystal Palace designed by Paxton (1801-1865) was purpose-built to house the exhibits, and was the first large-scale prefabricated ferrovitreous (iron and glas) structure. The prefabricated design made the construction and dismantling of the building easier and quicker. The exhibition was held in Hyde Park from 1 May to 15 October 1851 before the structure was moved to Sydenham, South London.