Understanding a Victorian world view through the lost statues in the park
London has always been a globally connected city, but the ties to countries important in its history can often be less visible in our public spaces.
Over eighty statues were commissioned when the Crystal Palace was rebuilt in South London in 1854 but most of those once situated on the park’s Upper Terrace are now lost.
Research by Invisible Palace has revealed that the twenty-six of Upper Terrace statues represented some of the most important commercial and manufacturing places in the world at the time, including India, South America, Turkey, Egypt, China and Russia. The statues were also hugely significant to the story of 19th Century art history.
Overlooked history
Building on the work of Crystal Palace’s Sculptures, funding from the Mayor of London’s Untold Stories programme has allowed the Invisible Palace to work with community groups to explore these missing statues, and the challenges a Victorian world view now presents for local communities.
It highlights an aspect of the Crystal Palace Park’s history that has been overlooked and will allow contemporary audiences to understand and discuss ideas of national and racial identities in context.
Accessible story-telling
Untold Stories funding has also helped Invisible Palace to share information and develop ideas for deepening the research to make it available in easily accessible ways.
There is a walking trail and the stories have been highlighted through printed booklets at the Crystal Palace Museum and the Park Information Centre.
The project has generated creative responses from artists, performers and creatives and the local community, with new work emerging such as a performance event.
I didn't realise the scale of Crystal Palace and the importance to Empire, revealed excellently through Sikh history - excellent stories from Rav.
As a muslim, we are never taught any history in school about muslims. So it’s eye opening to see how much history there is in the UK, which makes me proud and feel warmth.
Invisible Palace brings together small groups in a supportive and inclusive environment for collective activity.
Through participation people are able to share stories, ask questions, contribute and add to the project’s narrative.
Park users were asked to think about how they would respond to the missing statues had they existed in Crystal Palace Park today. As part of this, community heritage expert Manasi Pophale supported volunteers to lead community conversations and engagement.
Untold Stories: uncovering fascinating stories of diverse Londoners across the city
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