Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2007 | Page 57

ANTIQUES give it a magical energy. A festival of a slightly different nature was Prince Albert’s Great exhibition in 1851. Conceived by Prince Albert, the Great Exhibition was held in Hyde Park in London in the specially constructed Crystal Palace. Over 13,000 exhibits were displayed and viewed by over 6,200,000 visitors to the exhibition. The objects on display came from all parts of the world, including India, Australia and New Zealand. People were able to see the Wonders of the world without ever having to set foot out of London! There they could experience world cultures and artefacts. Remember this was a time before television and only the rich could afford books, so when people saw life The child KUBUKI festival in Japan. Photo below: Crystal Palace in 1851 showing the United States Dpt the spectacles on display they were absolutely awe struck this was a true marvel! I have lived on the Isle of Wight for over 25 years and am truly delighted and proud of this beautiful Island with its elegant Victorian heritage. We hosted one hell of a Festival Island Life - www.islandlife.tv in early June and put this Victorian Island on the map once and for all! I look forward to the Bestival in September, which brings such pleasure not only to Islanders but also to people from across the globe…Time for me to get out my fancy dress box!! 57