The
Crystal Palace
Foundation

By Leslie Lewis Allen.

Les gives an introduction to each exhibition to this the first work devoted entirely to medals and tokens dating from the
* Great Exhibition at Hyde Park, 1851
81 pages of medals & tokens
* Crystal Palace at Sydenham, 1854 - 1936
102 pages of medals & tokens
* Exhibition of Art Treasures, Manchester, 1857
8 pages of medals & tokens
* International Exhibition, Kensington, 1862 
34 pages of medals & tokens

The World's Show, is about commemorative items, such as medals struck in celebration of the Crystal Palace and events that it hosted. Examples of the medals can still be bought for under £10, but this is the first book to catalogue over 500 of them.

Allen, a retired accountant, began his own collection when he was given a Coronation Medal worn by a friend who had been one of 100,000 children who greeted the newly crowned King George V and Queen Mary at the coronation fete at the south London palace in 1911.

In remembrance of Leslie and in celebration of the publication the Crystal Palace Foundation now sells this important work which is regularly quoted as the industry standard.

The Price Guide gives a rarity and value is given for each medal and token. (Year 2000 rarity and values)

Hardback 276 pages over 800 illustrations

See also the original Sale catalogue and the companion volumes - Recipients of Official Crystal Palace Medals Awards made by Her Majesty's Commissioners at the Great Exhibition 1851 and the South Kensington Exhibition 1862.