Pages From Prince Albert's Diary

With apologies to H G Wells, this story is relates to our Great Exhibition Spoof  project.

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Section 4 - Freestyle: Anything Goes.

18^th May 1849
... The design work for the Crystal Palace is giving problems. If the ironwork is too thick it will be unsightly, but if it is too thin it might not be strong enough. And there is the weight of all the glass. Perhaps we can save weight by not painting it. I will put it to Paxton and Cubitt.
25^th May
... Cubitt considers that leaving the ironwork unpainted would be unwise owing to the risk of rusting. Paxton agrees, saying that in any case a white framework is an essential decorative feature. I have to agree that a red-brown structure would be much less attractive. Cavor suggests that a light-weight paint mixture might present a good compromise. I agree. We should advertise for a suitable product.
7^th June
... I received a letter from Mr Abdul Boodanyan, a Persian gentleman who is offering to supply paint suitable for the framework of the Crystal Palace. He writes that it contains the same pigments as are used in the dying of traditional Persian ‘Flying Carpets.’ He claims that his preparation will actually reduce the weight of the ironwork it will be applied to. I will believe it when I see it. Perhaps I will invite Mr Boodanyan to give a practical demonstration of a flying carpet for the exhibition. I do not think he will accept. I do not think we shall trouble him for his paint.
11^th June
... A representative from Chance Brothers of Birmingham called today. He brought the good news that his company will be able to supply glass for the Crystal Palace that is much lighter that that originally envisioned, but with equal strength. I do not need to explain how this development eases our problems.
28^th June
... I have received a jar containing a sample of Mr Boodanyan’s paint. He regrets that, owing to prior arrangements, he will be unable to attend the exhibition, but wishes us good fortune with the project. I have to say the paint does not appear any lighter in weight than other samples we are considering. I dare say there will be no harm in trying it out, now that we have it.
1^st July
... We painted a couple of iron beams with Mr Boodanyan’s paint and left them to dry overnight in the yard. I am not impressed with the colour which is scarcely white at all. I do not think it will be suitable. I think we shall use MacPherson’s white paint which has a fine dense pigment and a much better finish.
2^nd July
... The beams we painted and left to dry in the yard had vanished this morning. I will have to speak to Cubitt about the vigilance of his nightwatchmen. We cannot afford to have our materials stolen so easily.
I gave the remains of Mr Boodanyan’s paint to young Selwyn Cavor. He seemed very keen to have it.