Artwork
The International Exhibition of 1862: No. 27 - The English Picture Gallery (1)
The International Exhibition of 1862: No. 27 - The English Picture Gallery (1) is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist William England. It dates from 1862 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
The walls are covered in framed art, showing people, landscapes, and historical scenes.
This is a photo of a room packed with paintings and statues. The walls are covered in framed art, showing people, landscapes, and historical scenes. Two white statues of women stand in the center, with small chairs nearby. Crowds of visitors fill the background, looking at the art.
The photo was taken at a big exhibition in 1862, showing off British art. Notice the mix of styles—some paintings look detailed, while others feel more sketchy.
Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more art from this time.
Overview
This 1862 stereo card photograph, produced by the London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company under William England's direction, captures the English Picture Gallery at the International Exhibition in South Kensington, London. It is one of 350 stereographs documenting the event.
Subject & Meaning
The photograph depicts a crowded English Picture Gallery, showcasing a diverse array of British artworks, including portraits, landscapes, and historical scenes, alongside classical statues. The scene conveys the exhibition's role in promoting British artistic achievements.
Technique & Style
The stereo card utilizes early photographic technology to create a three-dimensional effect when viewed with a stereoscope. The image reveals a mix of artistic styles among the exhibited paintings, ranging from highly detailed to more sketchy renderings.
History & Provenance
Taken at the 1862 International Exhibition on Exhibition Road, this photograph is part of a comprehensive set of 350 stereographs. Its production was overseen by William England for the London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company.
Context
The International Exhibition of 1862, following the Great Exhibition of 1851, further established South Kensington as a hub for arts and culture, later influencing the establishment of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Artist & collection
Artist
William England carried a stereo camera everywhere, snapping the 1862 London world’s fair in 3D photos so people could step right into the crowds, glass domes, and medieval carvings.
The International Exhibition of 1862
The International Exhibition of 1862: No. 39 - The North-East Gallery of Architectural Designs
Stereoscopic photograph of the 1862 International Exhibition
The International Exhibition of 1862, No. 209, the Mediaeval Court.
The International Exhibition of 1862: No. 42 - Italian Court (3)
