Art and Science of the Crystal Palace Dinosaurs

The Crystal Palace Dinosaurs were a series of thirty-seven sculptures of prehistoric animals and geological displays unveiled in 1854 at Crystal Palace Park. They are internationally recognized as a milestone in our portrayals of extinct life and are celebrated in this book, which explores their history, conception, execution, reception, and enduring mysteries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 19 May 2022
Publisher: The Crowood Press Ltd

The Crystal Palace Dinosaurs, a remarkable series of thirty-seven awe-inspiring sculptures and geological displays, were unveiled to the public in 1854 as part of the renowned Crystal Palace Park. This captivating exhibition featured iconic representations of rhinoceros-like dinosaurs, regal extinct mammals, serpentine marine reptiles, and giant, frog-like amphibians, providing a snapshot of palaeontology during a remarkable era of scientific discovery in the mid-nineteenth century. Today, these magnificent sculptures are internationally celebrated as a groundbreaking achievement in our portrayal of extinct life. This captivating book pays homage to these timeless scientific artworks and delves into their historical background, their integration into the broader Crystal Palace project, the innovative techniques employed in their creation, the critical reception they received from nineteenth-century and modern critics, and the enduring mysteries that surround them. Hundreds of historic and contemporary photographs, along with original paintings, showcase modern scientific reconstructions of the extinct animals, bringing them to life in vivid detail. Written in collaboration with and in support of the Friends of Crystal Palace Dinosaurs charity, this exceptional book offers the most comprehensive and detailed account of these world-famous sculptures to date, further solidifying their status as masterpieces of education and palaeoartistry.

Weight: 960g
Dimension: 287 x 229 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780719840494