Philip Henry Delamotte (1821-89) was a photographer commissioned to photograph the move of the Crystal Palace to Sydenham following the 1851 Great Exhibition in Hyde Park. His photographs were published in several books. Those which form this collection are from Photographic Views of the Progress of the Crystal Palace Sydenham, taken during the progress of the works, by desire of the directors 1855, which is part of LMA’s library collection and comprises 160 images.

Many further images of the Crystal Palace can be seen on the London Picture Archive, including the building when it was located at Hyde Park.

Delamotte Collection

"The first Whisper of Love," by Calder Marshall, R.A.

"Esmeralda," by Rossetti of Milan.

"Venus disarming Cupid," by Pradier, and "Cyparissus," by Chaudet.

"Virgin and Child," by Donatello.

African male, cast from life.

Aloes and other Plants near the Pompeian Court.

Angle of the Renaissance Court.

Antique Colossal Medallion of "Spain".

Antique Statue - "Ariadne."

Arrival of Plants - the Cycas Revoluta.

Breakfast Time at the Crystal Palace.

Building up the Colossi of Aboo Simbel.

Burning Clay in the large Basin.

Bust of "Young Jupiter."

Busts from Italy.

Candelabrum of the Salle de la Paix, and other objects in Nave.

Cast of a Knight - a fragment from the Easter Sepulchre in Lincoln Cathedral.

Casting the Sphinx at the South Transept.

Casts of two English Kings from the West front of Lincoln Cathedral.

Central Doorway of the Renaissance Court