HistoryExtra podcast The Great Exhibition: everything you wanted to know
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Aug 3, 2024 
Caroline McCaffrey-Howarth, an expert on the Great Exhibition, dives into this landmark event that captivated over six million visitors in 1851. She shares fascinating insights into the Crystal Palace's construction, the key figures involved, and the diverse exhibits from around the world. Discover how the exhibition shaped public taste and offered a glimpse into Victorian ambition. McCaffrey-Howarth also discusses the lasting impact on London's museum culture and the enchanting crystal fountain that wowed attendees.
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Opening Day Remembered As A Peace Festival
- The opening on 1 May 1851 drew enormous crowds with Queen Victoria calling it a "Peace Festival" and returning dozens of times.
- Contemporary diaries recorded organ music, 600 voices, flags for every nation, and overwhelming public cheering.
Visitor Numbers Were Monumental And Democratic
- Over six million people visited across six months, averaging ~42,000 daily and peaking near 110,000, equalling about one-third of Britain's population.
- The exhibition massively broadened public access to art and industry in Victorian Britain.
Pricing And Sponsorship Extended Access To Workers
- Organizers used tiered pricing and season tickets to widen access, with gendered season prices and cheaper weekdays to attract different classes.
- Philanthropists like Lady Charlotte Schreiber sponsored groups of workers to travel from Wales to visit.