1851-1951
The decision that the centenary of the Great Exhibition of 1851 shall not go unnoticed will be generally welcomed, and it remains now to see to it that the celebration is worthy of the occasion. The i85i Exhibition, into which the Prince Consort threw himself with such zeal (would not the association of the Duke of Edinburgh with whatever body is preparing for the 1951 event be particularly appro- priate ?), was a milestone in tile industrial history of the country. Incidentally, and rather surprisingly, it was a great financial success, as the existence to this day of the Commissioners of the Great Exhibition of 1851, to administer its profits, proves. Mr. Morrison's statement last week suggests that a heavy responsibility is to be thrown on the Arts Council, which is to organise a Festival of the Arts, not only in London but at Edinburgh and other provincial centres. It will be accompanied by two major exhibitions—of national design and of British achievements in science and technology. All this is admirable, but everything depends on adequacy of execu- tion. It is impossible in present conditions to emulate the 1851 Exhibition in volume or scive. It is the more essential not to fall behind it in quality. The Lord President, whose duties are numerous, might well find it wise to appoint someone to represent him person- ally in the extensive negotiations and discussions that will be called for during the remainder of the present Government's term of office.
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