WEA design history tutor Prassanajit de Silva looks at the 1851 exhibition at Crystal Palace.

The Great Exhibition is widely seen as a statement of Victorian self-confidence, but its roots can be traced to a widespread concern about the state of industrial design in Britain. So, what were the real aims behind the Exhibition, and how were they fulfilled? What concerns did such a radically novel event raise for Victorian society? What was the experience like for visitors? Why was it such a huge success at the time? And what was its lasting impact?

The session will be held in an airy room. To book, you will need to quote the course code C3747199