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The Franco-British exhibition of 1908 was not only a celebration of British
and French industry, culture, and empire, it also celebrated the new
understanding between the two powers know as the 'entente cordiale'. It included
French and British Palaces of Industry and a French Artisan's Palace, as well as
a Palace of Women's Work, celebrating famous figures from Elizabeth I to
Florence Nightingale, and a number of model villages reconstructed to celebrate
imperial achievements. The latter included Ballymaclinton, a 'genuine' Irish
village. At the French Senegalese village - complete with imported 'natives' -
visitors could watch traditional dance performances. At the Indian Arena, a
3,000 capacity open-air theatre, theatrical spectaculars were performed. Nearly
8.5 million people attended the exhibition from May to October. Many films were
taken of the White City and the visit of President Fallières; this example is
most likely taken by Pathé.
Bryony Dixon
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Complete film (1:45)
