Dudley, Robert (illus).
London. Illustrated London News. 08-30- 1862.
Color wood-engraving, 13 1/2 x 17 1/2 inches on sheet size 15 3/4 x 20 3/4 inches, folding in half as issued as a supplement with the August 30, 1862 magazine. Centrefold as issued, overall light foxing not visible in the image; otherwise very good condition. A richly colored view of the Majolica Fountain, which was clearly considered a triumph of High Victorian art and design, much like the Albert Memorial. This item is in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which states:
"This interior view of the exhibition focuses on the Majolica Fountain designed by Minton, Hollins and Co. with visitors walking or seated nearby. The International Exhibition of 1862 was held at South Kensington in 1862, hosted by the Royal Society of Arts, Manufacturers and Trade and paid for by the profits of the original South Kensington Great Exhibition (1851). The building stood near the present Natural History Museum and Science Museum and was intended as permanent but when Parliament voted against this, it was deconstructed and reconstructed as the Crystal Palace.
The Majolica Fountain demonstrated Minton, Hollins and Co.'s leading position as a manufacturer of ceramic elements used in churches, public buildings, palaces and houses. It was created from 369 elements and was over 10 metres tall. After the exhibition it was displayed at the Bethnal Green Museum (now the Museum of Childhood) from 1872 until 1962 when sold in parts. The top element of George slaying the dragon is now held at the Potteries Museum in Stoke-on-Trent." Item #55364

Price: $135.00