Sir Joseph Paxton, English architect and designer of the Crystal Palace, c 1851

Sir Joseph Paxton, English architect and designer of the Crystal Palace, c 1851. Engraving by J Jenkins after a photograph by William Edward Kilburn. Sir Joseph Paxton (1801-1865) began his career as a gardener's boy, eventually becoming head gardener for the Duke of Devonshire. He remodelled the Duke's gardens at Chatsworth and Chiswick, designing large glass and iron conservatories for them. These later became the model for his design of the Great Exhibition building, now known as the Crystal Palace, for which he received his knighthood. After this success, Paxton continued to work on landscape gardening and public parks as well as designing various country houses. Published by Peter Jackson, London. Dimensions: 210 mm x 270 mm. ©SSPL/Science Museum