The facilities offered by the great building and extensive grounds of the Crystal Palace have many times, since its primary employment as the domicile of the first Great International Exhibition of all Nations in 1851, been turned to good account in fostering the industries of this nation.
There exists at the moment in this country an industry—that of the manufacture of self-propelling vehicles for use upon common roads—which is scarcely yet beyond its nascent condition, but which is far more advanced, and indeed has assumed considerable magnitude, in other countries, and in regard to which proper publicity and demonstration cannot be given in this country under existing legislation, except in extensive private grounds such as those attached to the Crystal Palace.
Under these circumstances, manufacturers have again looked to this Institution, and in response the Directors have much pleasure in announcing that an Exhibition of a comprehensive and International character of all things appertaining to the Road, to Travel, and to Mechanical Roads Locomotion, is to be opened in May next.
It has been represented to the Directors that if, concurrently with the exhibition and demonstration of the most modern applications of science to mechanical locomotion upon common roads, an Exhibition of all kinds of animal-drawn Road Vehicles and Carriages of both historical and current interest be held, including illustrations of ancient modes of travel, and of road conveyances now displaced by the introduction of railways, great commercial, educational, and re-creative advantages would accrue.
Thus encouraged and aided by the practical assistance of the City Companies, the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers, the Institute of British Carriage Manufacturers, as well as private owners, who are lending their valuable and unique collections, the Directors intend to carry out this universally expressed desire to the greatest extent the space at their disposal—and this is great—will admit.
For particulars of sections and classification, and entry forms apply to the Manager, Crystal Palace. S.E.
London Evening Standard, London, England, March 9, 1896