"Mbe Oppectator," Aril) 3rb, 1851
-hit ceremonial of opening the Exhibition was simple, but judiciously conceived, and eminently successful. The rout ensemble of the edifice was striking and beautiful. It was felt to be a compromise between open space and an enclosed build- ing ; combining the lightsome airiness of the former with the defined limitation of the latter serving as a framework to the picture. The careful toilet of the women, and the sprinkling of court costume and uniforms among the other sex, lent to the scene a greater variety and richness of colour than is usual in England on such occasions ; which was heightened by the rich dyes of carpets and other textile fabrics displayed, and the glitter of arms, bijouterie, and metallic articles in general. " The great organ " was turned to account in the choral music. Handel's immortal " Hallelujah " had a grandeur of effect• that could not be surpassed. The prayer offered up by the venerable Primate was unaffected, catholic and appropriate. To crown all, the Queen entered into the business of the day with graceful heartiness. The obvious entireness of sympathy between the Royal pair—the presence of their children—the alert and lively interest of the Duke of Wellington, who seemed to have renewed his youth on his own and his namesake Prince Arthur's birthday—raised enthusiasm to its height.
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