Photographed at an angle from below, a series of colored illustrations of the Great Exhibition, connected by cloth and extended with some distance between each so that, when viewed through the peephole in the front layer, they create a composite view with a sense of depth

Paper toy perspective view of the Crystal Palace
London, 1854
Rare Book Division

Paper toy perspective view of the Crystal Palace

The Crystal Palace was a modern marvel of architectural design, its newly invented sheet glass structure providing unobstructed views of London’s Hyde Park. Fittingly, it hosted the scientific and technological innovations of the Great Exhibition of 1851, an event that promoted international cooperation while also asserting the might and resources of the British Empire.  Souvenirs such as this “peep show” featured a view painted or printed on accordion-folded paper sheets that, when expanded, created the illusion of depth of perspective. In this example, the viewer is drawn into the Crystal Palace’s interior to mingle with patrons at the center fountain. Titles printed in English, German, and French show the international appeal of the magnificent exhibition hall.

: Rare Book Division

Not currently on view

The New York Public Library believes that this item is in the public domain under the laws of the United States, but did not make a determination as to its copyright status under the copyright laws of other countries. This item may not be in the public domain under the laws of other countries. Though not required, if you want to credit us as the source, please use the following statement, "From The New York Public Library," and provide a link back to the item on our Digital Collections site. Doing so helps us track how our collection is used and helps justify freely releasing even more content in the future

Items in Beginnings

View All Items in This Section