The Australian International Exhibition Building at Sydney. Engraving c1879

$265.00

Large Antique print of Sydney's grand International Exhibition Building c1879. An important image engraved for publication, printed across a double-page with a central vertical fold. This original wood engraving was published in London on April 26, 1879 in The Graphic periodical.

This is a wonderful close-up view of the magnificent building with 50 or more flags flying from its masts. In the foreground are over 80 people in beautiful period dress from all walks of life and including a Chinese man with a queue (long hair plait). On the entrance steps, and between the lovely gardens and the great Palace, are over 100 other visitors.

Sydney's International Exhibition Building (Farm Palace) which became known as The Garden Palace, was a magnificent building constructed on the current site of the south-western end of the Royal Botanic Garden. The design, based on Sir Joseph Paxton's design for London's Crystal Palace, was by James Barnet, and construction was managed by John Young. The building cost ?191,800 and was built in only eight months, with work continuing long hours with electric lighting recently introduced from England. Unfortunately it was mainly built in wood, with bricks and galvanized iron, and it was completely destroyed by fire on September 22, 1882. There were many theories for arson, in the destruction of this enormous building which was over 244 metres long, had floor space of over 112,000 metres, and had a central dome that was 30.4 metres in diameter and 65.5 metres in height.

The illustration is not a very good representation. It is a large antique print with lovely later hand-colour. The engraving measures 275 x 502mm (10 1/2 x 19 3/4 inches). Paper size is 382 x 560mm (15 x 22 inches). Although the page has slight damage to the brittle edges, and an old repair to a tear at the top, it is still a fine antique print and would look stunning when framed.