The brainchild of Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, the Great Exhibition was born out of a conviction that manufacturing excellence and innovation held the key to Britain’s future prosperity and moral stature. As chair of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), Albert promoted technological and industrial progress, and argued for a new kind of public forum to display the very best achievements of British artisans, manufacturers and designers.
The idea for an exhibition showcasing these achievements was first proposed in 1845, but it took several years to persuade the government and various influential groups of its potential benefits. While some saw the Great Exhibition as a way for Britain to assert its pre-eminence in industrial arts and sciences, others – particularly in Parliament – were more concerned about its potential to cause social disruption.
Eventually, in 1848, the Queen established a Royal Commission to plan for an international exhibition. This was to take place in Hyde Park, London, from 1 May to 15 October 1851. The commissioners also agreed that its official title would be the 'Exhibition of the Works of Industry of all Nations'.
Political and economic factors
Britain was the pre-eminent industrial nation in the world at the time of the Great Exhibition. It had a large and rapidly growing population, a wealth of natural resources, and a well-developed infrastructure. The country was also relatively stable politically and socially, which made it an attractive destination for both exhibitors and visitors.
The Great Exhibition was seen as an opportunity for Britain to showcase its industrial and technological achievements to the world, and to promote its economic interests. It was also hoped that the exhibition would foster international cooperation and understanding, and help to resolve some of the tensions that had arisen between Britain and other countries in the wake of the Industrial Revolution.
Cultural factors
The Great Exhibition was also shaped by a number of cultural factors. In the mid-19th century, there was a growing interest in science, technology, and the visual arts. The Great Exhibition provided a platform for these interests to come together and be celebrated.
The exhibition also reflected the growing sense of nationalism and patriotism in Britain. It was seen as an opportunity for Britons to show the world what they could achieve, and to reaffirm their country's place as a leading global power.