The Great Exhibition of 1851: A very rare Vinaigrette made in Birmingham in 1850 by Daniel Pettifer

The Vinaigrette is broad rectangular in form with serpentine shaped sides engraved with a border of scroll work. The cover is engraved with a detailed view of the Crystal Palace which housed the Great Exhibition of 1851.

The base is engraved with different horizontal bands of engine turned designs around a central cartouche engraved with the name Charlotte. The interior displays fine gilding and a pierced and engraved grille decorated with pluming scrolls.

The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations or the Great Exhibition, (sometimes referred to as the Crystal Palace Exhibition in reference to the temporary structure in which it was held), was an international exhibition which took place in Hyde Park from 1st May to the 15th October 1851.

It was the first in a series of World's Fairs, exhibitions of culture and industry, that became popular in the 19th century. The Great Exhibition was organised by Henry Cole and by Prince Albert, husband of the reigning monarch, Queen Victoria.

These Vinaigrettes would have been purchased as souvenirs by the wealthy visitors to the Great Exhibition of 1851.

They were made in 1850 in readiness for the event. This is a particularly fine example, with very crisp engraving

Dimensions

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

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