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John Burley Waring, Masterpieces of Industrial Art & Sculpture at the International Exhibition, 1862, London: Day & Son, 1863, 3 Volumes

3 chromolithographed decorative titles, 301 chromolithographed plates, many heightened in gold and silver, with parallel text in English and French
Original bevelled and morocco blocked in gilt and black, all edges gilt (each)
17 x 11.75 in (43.5 x 30 cm) (each)

One of the great monuments of Victorian book production, with richly coloured plates.

John Burley Waring's Masterpieces of Industrial Art & Sculpture at the International Exhibition, 1862 is an extraordinary three-volume set that showcases the splendour of the works displayed at the 1862 London International Exhibition. This monumental work is an artistic and historical treasure, featuring approximately 301 exquisite chromolithographs, a cutting-edge reproduction technique of the era, which vividly capture the craftsmanship of the industrial art and sculpture presented during this world-class event.

Each volume contains large-format plates, measuring approximately 43.5 × 30 cm, and provides a vibrant visual documentation of artistic achievements in various disciplines, including sculpture, furniture design, ceramics, textiles, and metalwork. The items were selected and described by architect J B Waring; the chromolithographs were executed by renowned artists and craftsmen, such as William Roberts Tymms, Albert Henry Warren, and George MacCulloch, from photographs supplied by the London Photographic and Stereoscopic Company, taken exclusively for this work by Stephen Thompson. They reflect the diversity of cultural aesthetics and industrial ingenuity of the mid-19th century. Waring’s text offers valuable commentary on the pieces, connecting them to broader themes of artistic progress and industrial evolution.

The work is bound in contemporary half-morocco leather with gilt edges, underscoring its status as a collector's item. This set remains a prized artifact in historical and artistic literature. It embodies the spirit of an era when art and industry were harmoniously intertwined to showcase human creativity and innovation on a global stage.

This remarkable publication is a sought-after addition to rare book collections and an invaluable resource for historians and enthusiasts of industrial and decorative arts.

International Exhibition of 1862
The International Exhibition of 1862, held in South Kensington, London, was a grand showcase of Victorian ingenuity and global progress in art, science, and industry. With contributions from 36 nations, it featured groundbreaking innovations such as Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine and synthetic dyes, alongside exquisite displays of fine art, textiles, and decorative crafts. Japan’s debut at the event introduced European audiences to the refined elegance of Japanese art, leaving a lasting impact on design trends.

India's participation in the International Exhibition of 1862 in London showcased its rich cultural heritage and industrial prowess. The Indian section featured a diverse array of exhibits, including textiles, raw materials, intricate jewelry, fine pottery, detailed woodwork, and intricate handicrafts, highlighting the subcontinent's artisanal skills and natural resources. This presentation not only emphasized India's traditional craftsmanship but also its integration into global industrial trends of the era.

Housed in a vast iron, glass, and brick structure designed by Captain Francis Fowke, the exhibition attracted over six million visitors between May and November 1862. While its architecture drew criticism for lacking the grace of the Crystal Palace of 1851, the event left an enduring legacy, influencing industrial design and international exhibitions to follow.

This landmark fair celebrated a world connected by innovation and artistry, marking a high point in Victorian ambition and global exchange.

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