The
Crystal Palace
Foundation

By Moira Walshe

Lavishly illustrated with images and stunning photographs from private collections and spanning three generations, delve into the history of Thomas Clark and his family…

Rising from obscure beginnings to become a gentleman in the Victorian age dominated by the class system, as a merchant, Thomas was importing exotic produce from around the globe into the City of London. The diaries of his daughter Matilda throw open a window onto the stresses and strains of family life, showing a stereotypical Victorian father (including the bad temper).

Follow his eldest son through his artistic endeavours as a lecturer, writer, poet and artist. There is a shift of perspective on his authoritarian father; here is a devoted family man who adored his wife and spent time with his family. A man dedicated to both science and religion in a world in which he found some new teachings objectionable as an evangelical non-conformist Protestant.

Finally, the life stories of his children unfold, including the author’s grandfather; they were born into privilege but transcended the modern world which saw social change. Moving recollections of lives lived up to the 1950s from children, grandchildren and local residents are revealed.

Read these fascinating tales, including that of the great-uncle who appears to have made an important invention, which played a significant role in winning the Great War – but perhaps someone else ended up claiming the credit?

Many local references including Anerley, Brixton, Camberwell, Penge, Upperr Norwood and Sydenham.

Extensive bibliography and 26 pages of notes