Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Sights > Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace at Sydenham is destroyed by fire
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Crystal Palace at Sydenham is destroyed by fire
The Crystal Palace at Sydenham is destroyed by a devastating fire on 30th November 1936. One of the 284ft water towers (designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel) stands as the only surviving structure - before eventually being taken down during the Second World War as hazardous landmarks for German Bombers to orientate themselves upon during bombing raids over London. Plans are afoot to reconstruct the towers. Date: 1936
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 11585029
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
30th Aflame Brunel Brunels Burned Burning Burnt Crystal Destroyed Glow Glowing Isambard Sydenham 1936
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Sights
> Crystal Palace
> Historic
> Monuments and landmarks
> Iconic structures
> Historic
> Monuments and landmarks
> People
> Industrialists
> Isambard Kingdom Brunel
> Popular Themes
> Brunel
EDITORS COMMENTS
In the heart of Sydenham, South London, the iconic Crystal Palace stands in ruins following a devastating fire that engulfed the structure on the fateful day of November 30, 1936. The once grand and magnificent glass and iron building, a marvel of Victorian engineering, was reduced to ashes, leaving behind only the haunting memory of its former glory. Designed by the renowned engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the Crystal Palace was a groundbreaking architectural feat when it was first erected in Hyde Park, London, for the Great Exhibition of 1851. Later relocated to Sydenham in 1854, the palace became a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide to marvel at its red, light, and aflame facade. Amid the ashes, one of the 284ft water towers, designed by Brunel, stands as the only surviving structure. The towers, known as Brunel's towers, were originally built to provide water to the palace and its grounds. The glowing embers of the fire cast an eerie red glow over the remaining tower, a poignant reminder of the history and heritage that was lost that day. Despite the devastation, plans to reconstruct the towers are in the works, offering a glimmer of hope for the preservation of this important piece of historical architecture. The fire may have burned the Crystal Palace to the ground, but its legacy lives on, inspiring future generations to appreciate the ingenuity and vision of those who came before. The image captured in this photograph is a poignant reminder of the past, a testament to the power of fire, and a beacon of hope for the future. The Crystal Palace may be gone, but its spirit remains alive, etched in the annals of history.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
