Excerpt from Official Descriptive and Illustrated Catalogue of the Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, 1851, Vol. 1: Introductory, and Section I, Raw Materials, Classes 1 to 4

Fairs, which are one sort of exhibitions of works of industry, have been established for centuries, in every part of the United Kingdom; but exhibitions rmbling. The present institution, in which the race is for uoellenee, and direct commerce is not the primary objeoghsvetakenplsceonlyduring the last cen tury, and have been originated by individuals, or societies, independently of any Government assistance. As earlyas the years 1756-7 the Society ofarts of London offered prizes for specimens of manufactures, tapestry, carpets, porcelain, &c., andexhibitedthe works which were offered inoompetition. About the same period. The Royal Academy, as a private society, patronized by the Sovereign, more in a personal oapaoitythen as representingthe head of the Legislature.

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