The Great Chandelier by Defries in the International Exhibition, 1862. Creator: Unknown

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The Great Chandelier by Defries in the International Exhibition, 1862. Creator: Unknown

The Great Chandelier by Defries in the International Exhibition, 1862. The largest chandelier in the world, made from...thousands of pieces of cut and polished glass, weighing altogether about three tons. This amazing bulk, however, was the cause of a mistaken alarm...for, upon the falling of two or three of the prisms, the space beneath was railed off and protected by a body of police...It was shown, however, that the frame and fastenings had been tested to more than three times the weight of the chandelier, and that the fall of the prisms was only to be attributed to some negligence on the part of the workmen...The body of this gigantic ornament consists of three "dishes, " one beneath another, formed of richly-cut prisms, each 3ft, 6in, in length, a size which has, we believe, never before been attained, From these spring 112 lights. The centre tier is supported by eight columns, each of which is surmounted by four diamond-cut pillars; and the upper tier of fifty-six lights is a prismatic vase, again supporting eight pillars, which terminate in graceful spires...The most effective portion of the whole work is, perhaps, the vase occupying the centre within the lower columns, and ornamented with a bouquet of crystal flowers'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862

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Media ID 35124929

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1862 International Exhibition Biggest Chandelier Crystal Cultural Event Danger Dangerous Elaborate Great London Exposition Heavy International Exhibition Of 1862 Large Largest Lights Ornate Peril Prism Worlds Fair

FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Animals > Birds > Gruiformes > Rallidae > Black Rail

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Police

EDITORS COMMENTS
The Great Chandelier by Defries, a breathtaking masterpiece showcased at the International Exhibition in 1862, is depicted in this photograph. The chandelier, believed to be the largest in the world at the time, was a marvel of engineering and artistry, constructed from an estimated three tons of cut and polished glass. The immense size of the chandelier, however, caused quite a stir when a few prisms fell, prompting the area beneath to be railed off and guarded by a police presence. Despite the initial alarm, the chandelier was proven to be structurally sound, with its frame and fastenings tested to more than three times the weight of the chandelier itself. The cause of the prism falls was determined to be the negligence of the workmen. The chandelier's body consisted of three tiers, each adorned with richly-cut prisms, the largest of which measured an impressive 3ft, 6in in length. The lower tier supported 112 lights, while the upper tier featured a prismatic vase, which in turn supported eight graceful pillars terminating in spires. The most striking feature of the chandelier was the vase situated within the lower columns, adorned with a bouquet of crystal flowers. The intricate design and size of the chandelier had never before been achieved, making it a true standout of the exhibition and a testament to the skill and creativity of its maker.

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