One of the eminent figures of the Victorian era, Henry Cole (1808-1882) was a visionary whose pioneering ideas helped create the magnificent London museum that is now called the Victoria and Albert. With Prince Albert (consort of Queen Victoria), "Old King Cole" also helped to make London's Great Exhibition of 1851 a rousing triumph. Yet Cole's important contributions to cultural history have largely been forgotten.The Great Exhibitor is the first full-length biography of this museum pioneer who also played a pivotal role in establishing the English postal system, in expanding the railway, and in art and science education. This detailed portrait captures the personality of a man who in his own time aroused both admiration and antipathy, and restores to his proper place in history a larger-than-life Victorian phenomenon.

The Great Exhibitor: The Life and Work of Henry Cole (Victoria and Albert Museum Catalogues)

Biographies & Memoirs

BURTON, Anthony

Bonython, Elizabeth

Arts & Literature

V&A Publishing

King Cole: A Picture Portrait of Sir Henry Cole, Kcb 1808-1882, Elizabeth Bonython. London: Victoria & Albert Museum, 1982, 80 pp., 9.6 x 7.3 x 0.4 inches, illustrated throughout in b/w and color. An exhibition catalog published in 1982 on the centenary of Cole's death with a biography and pictorial history of Cole's life.   Sir Henry Cole founded the Victoria and Albert Museum, built the Royal Albert Hall, invented "South Kensington", worked with the Prince Consort, organized the Great Exhibition, introduced the Penny Post with Rowland Hill, reformed the Public Records, controlled the Society of Arts, published the first Christmas card, was The most generally unpopular man I know to Lord Derby, was Good Mr Cole, with his rough offhand manner to Queen Victoria. A fascinating book on Sir Henry Cole and the many paintings which have a connection to him.

King Cole: A picture portrait of Sir Henry Cole, KCB 1808-1882

Victoria and Albert Museum

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Books by Bonython, Elizabeth