Introduction

Organised by the RDS and financed by William Dargan, The Great Industrial Exhibition opened from the 12th of May 1853 and ran until 31st of October 1853. It attracted over one million visitors. This extraordinary event which took place on the grounds of Leinster House, the former headquarters of the RDS, was held to promote art and industry in Ireland.

This exhibition, drawn from material held in the RDS Library and Archives, explores the role of the RDS in the organisation of the Dublin Great Exhibition of 1853, how previous experience in promoting art and industry aided them in preparing for this exhibition, what was seen and the events leading up to its great legacy, the establishment of the National Gallery of Ireland.