After much debate among the Commissioners and the public it was decided that the Crystal Palace would be moved from Hyde Park. It was bought by a consortium of businessmen and relocated to a new site in Sydenham. In June 1854 it was reopened in a ceremony that was attended by both Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

This striking photograph was collected and arranged by Prince Albert and shows the interior of Crystal Palace while in progress of demolition. One of the trees which was left standing while the building was erected can be seen in the centre of the composition and a cart in the foreground. A man, wearing a dark colour suit and top hat, stands on the far right side of the photograph.