Published by Vicky Anne Vaughan, Made by Me by the Sea
Being born three miles from Crystal Palace, it’s part of my blood. Even though I don’t enjoy watching football, I couldn’t help but cheer for their success in the FA Cup Final this year. Yay, the Eagles!
It wasn’t until I started drawing buildings for my upcoming book and researching glass houses and palm houses that I truly discovered Crystal Palace. Better late than never!
From the moment I saw it, I was in love. I became captivated by this extraordinary glass-and-iron structure and intrigued by the fact that it was built twice. Initially a temporary marvel in Hyde Park for the Great Exhibition in 1851, it was designed by Sir Joseph Paxton as a celebration of Victorian ingenuity, light, and ambition. After the exhibition closed, the Palace was rebuilt on Sydenham Hill in 1854, standing proudly over London until the tragic fire of 1936.
It’s like a sad Bridget Jones movie, and I so want it to have a happy ending.
That’s why I decided to up my game and reimagine this beautiful Crystal Palace in silver and iridescent foil art prints, finished in both silver and teal and iridescent foil. Each piece captures its shimmering light and architectural rhythm, a tribute to a building that once symbolised the best of Britain’s creativity. This artwork inspired my new short film and poem, part of my ongoing If Buildings Could Speak series, in which I give voice to Britain’s heritage landmarks.
Here are the first three verses of my poem:
(You’ll need to watch the YouTube video to hear the rest, or wait for my new book with Amberley Publishing, due July 2027)
Born at Hyde Park in crystal light,
A fleeting palace, gleaming bright.
Most know my name from the football cheer,
but my fame began in another year.
Paxton designed me from glass and light,
To crown an age of British might.
A revolution of progress and pride,
Britain’s constitution, magnified.
Five thousand hands, six months, no less,
To build a dream of glass success …
If you would like to commission Vicky to create your own building in this irridescent foil, use this link to contact her.