The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of all Nations took place in Hyde Park, London, from 1 May to 15 October 1851. It was the first in a series of World's Fair exhibitions of culture and industry that became popular during the 19th century. The Great Exhibition was organised by Prince Albert and Henry Cole. A special building, nicknamed the Crystal Palace, was designed by Joseph Paxton to house the exhibition. It took the form of a massive glass house that encompassed several trees in the park, as can be seen in this picture. This is a view of the transept of the building looking north, with the crystal fountain 'perhaps the most striking object in the exhibition' according to the Art Journal, in the centre. On the left is the equestrian statue of Queen Victoria by T. and M. Thorneycroft. The royal party is in the middle under the baldacchino (canopy). Prince Albert, as Chairman of the Royal Commissioners, is reading the Report of the Commissioners to the Queen. She is standing between their two eldest children, the Prince of Wales (in Highland dress) and the Princess Royal. About 25,000 spectators were admitted to the opening ceremony. After the Report of the Commissioners had been read a royal procession toured the exhibition. The Queen then returned to the platform and declared the exhibition open. Queen Victoria described the day of the opening as 'one of the greatest and most glorious of our lives, and which to my pride and joy, the name of my dearly beloved Albert is for ever associated'. By the time the exhibition closed more than six million visitors had been to see it. The painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1853. Signed and dated twice: David Roberts R.A. 1852.