Opening van het gebouw voor de Internationale Tentoonstelling te Londen 1851 1851

This is a commemorative medal by Allen & Moore, celebrating the opening of the building for the International Exhibition in London, 1851. This medal encapsulates the optimism of the Victorian era. On one side, a rendering of the Crystal Palace rises above a classical scene populated with cherubs. On the other side, text boasts of the building's unprecedented scale and value, as if the architecture could capture the complex historical forces at play. The Great Exhibition was intended to showcase Britain’s industrial prowess and imperial reach. Yet, the event occurred amidst immense social inequality, as many people were living in poverty even as the empire expanded. This medal serves not just as a historical artifact, but also as a reminder of how progress can mask profound disparities. It invites us to reflect on the stories we choose to celebrate and the voices that are often left out.