MID-19TH CENTURY

The aim of the World Exhibitions in the 19th century in Britain and France was to promote peaceful competition between nations, the idea being that this would take the place of belligerent confrontations. In this context, the International of 1862, or Great London Exposition was held in London from 1 May to 1 November 1862, beside the gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society, on a site that today houses the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. The Exhibition included large pieces of machinery, cotton mills, maritime engines, as well as a range of smaller goods including fabrics, rugs, sculptures, furniture, plates, silver, glass wares and wallpaper. Although in terms of significance and success, the World Exhibition of 1862 was behind the Crystal Palace Exhibition of 1851, it nonetheless made a significant contribution to the promotion of the latest technical developments and products.
The London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company began in 1854 as the London Stereoscope Company (LSC). From 1856 was known as the London Stereoscopic Company, and from May 1859 as the London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company. Its principal photographer was William England and also featured Thomas Richard Williams. It closed in 1922.