HAPPY VICTORIA DAY! Canadians, very appropriate for us glass collectors worldwide.

The Crystal Palace Museum in London which opened in 1851, signaled the beginning of the age of decorative artistic items for the middle classes, and their appreciation. It was also the century of huge changes from a mostly agricultural economy to an industrial one.

The new trains locomotives and railroads also had a major transportation effect for goods of all kinds. The Victorian era of the 19th century, was one that saw England become a worldwide empire with their navy, and an establishment of trade between the Far East, the Near East, the Americas, Australia, Africa, etc.

Not all countries were open to these English and American trade demands of the mid 19th century. War or a battle would ensue, till trade negotiations were successful.

Image 1 - The Crystal Palace, 1st International Exhibition opens with an emphasis on new industrial inventions.
Image 2 - The painting of a ship battle with Chinese junks, during the 1st Opium War.
Image 3 - The charming interior of a London omnibus with Victorian passengers artwork.
Image 4 - Queen Victoria portrait photograph, taken later in her long reign. 1837-1901