Last Updated on 26 August 2025 by Johan
Below is the original text from the Glances at Europe by Horace Greeley – Project Gutenberg ebook. We have added local tips in italics and added appropriate headings for clarity.
LONDON, Thursday, May 1, 1851.
The Opening of the Great Exhibition
Our Human Life is either comic or tragic, according to the point of view from which we regard it. The observer will be impelled to laugh or to weep over it, as he shall fix his attention on men’s follies or their sufferings. So of the Great Exhibition, and more especially its Royal Inauguration, which I have just returned from witnessing. There can be no serious doubt that the Fair has good points; I think it is a good thing for London first, for England next, and will ultimately benefit mankind. And yet, it would not be difficult so to depict it (and truly), that its contrivers and managers would never think of deeming the picture complimentary.
Local tip: Visitors today can explore the legacy of the Great Exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington, which houses many artifacts and design innovations inspired by the 1851 event.
The Crystal Palace and Architectural Innovation
The show is certainly a great one, greater in extent, in variety, and in the excellence of a large share of its contents, than the world has hitherto seen. The Crystal Palace, which covers and protects all, is better than any one thing it contains, it is really a fairy wonder, and is a work of inestimable value as a suggestion for future architecture.
Local tip: Though the original Crystal Palace was destroyed, Sydenham retains its name and parklands. The Crystal Palace Park still features remnants of the Victorian layout and is home to the famous dinosaur sculptures.
Weather and Public Turnout
The day has been very favorable—fair, bland and dry. It is now 4 P.M. and there has been no rain since daylight, but a mere sprinkle at noon unregarded by us insiders—the longest exemption from “falling weather” I have known since I left New York, and I believe the daily showers or squalls in this city reach still further back.
Local tip: For modern visitors, spring weather in London remains unpredictable. Carrying a compact umbrella is advisable when touring outdoor landmarks like Hyde Park or Greenwich.
Reflections on Royal Participation
If it were a new thing to see a Queen, Court and aristocracy engaged in doing marked honor to Industry, they certainly performed gracefully the parts allotted them… Prince Albert’s sphere as the Sovereign’s consort is very limited, and he shows rare sense and prudence in never evincing a desire to overstep it.
Local tip: The Royal Albert Hall, named in honor of Prince Albert, stands as a lasting tribute to his patronage of the arts and sciences. It is located near Kensington Gardens and offers guided tours year-round.
Critique of Pageantry and Representation
But what have her “Gentleman Usher of Sword and State,” “Lords in Waiting,” “Master of the Horse,” “Earl Marshal,” “Groom of the Stole,” “Master of the Buckhounds,” and such uncouth fossils, to do with a grand Exhibition of the fruits of Industry?
Local tip: The ceremonial roles mentioned are still part of British royal tradition. Visitors can learn more about these titles and their historical functions at The Royal Mews near Buckingham Palace.
Industrial Legacy and Future Outlook
We shall be able to elect something else than Generals to the Presidency before this century is out, and the Right of every man to live by Labor… stands high on the general orders, and must soon be up for National and universal discussion.
Local tip: The Science Museum in South Kensington offers interactive exhibits on industrial progress and labor history, including displays on steam engines and textile machinery.
Exhibition Content and International Participation
Immense as the quantity of goods offered for exhibition is, it is not equal to the enormous capacity of the building… The display from different countries is very unequal, even in proportion: Old England is of course here in her might; France has a vast collection… the show from the United States disappoints many by its alleged meagerness.
Local tip: The Great Exhibition’s international scope is echoed today in the multicultural displays at the Museum of London Docklands, which explores trade and global exchange.
American Contributions and Reflections
Still, there are some Yankee Notions that I wish had been sent over… Our Scythes, Cradles, Hoes, Rakes, Axes, Sowing, Reaping, Threshing and Winnowing machines… are a long distance ahead of the British—so the best judges say.
Local tip: For those interested in agricultural history, the Museum of English Rural Life in Reading offers comparative insights into British and American farming tools.
Final Thoughts and Catalogue Overview
The Official Catalogue of the Fair is just issued… Great Britain fills 136 pages of the Catalogue; her Colonies and Foreign possessions 48 more… So the United States stands fifth on the list of contributing Countries…
Local tip: A digitized version of the original catalogue can be viewed at the British Library, located near St Pancras Station, which also hosts exhibitions on Victorian publishing and printing.