The Agricultural Hall (1862 - 1943)
Dates
- Existence: 1862 - 1943
- Usage: 1862 - 1884
- Usage: 1884 - 1943
Biography
The Agricultural Hall opened in 1862 in Islington, London. It was built by the Royal Smithfield Club to hold annual exhibitions of livestock, agricultural produce and agricultural implements. In 1884 it was renamed the Royal Agricultural Hall.
The Hall held the Royal Smithfield Club's Smithfield Show from its inception until 1938, when the show had grown so big that it had to be moved to Olympia. It was also the venue for the first ever Crufts dog show in 1891 and hosted the Royal Tournament from 1880 until it also became too large and had to be moved to Olympia in the early 20th century.
During the Second World War, the hall was requisitioned by the Government, and served as a parcel depot sorting office from 1943. After the war the Hall was abandoned for decades until businessman Sam Morris bought it in 1986 to convert it into a modern exhibition venue and conference centre called The Business Design Centre. The Business Design Centre continues operating today and it’s a Grade II listed building.
Found in 22 Collections and/or Records:
World's Fair!! Christmas and New Year’s Carnival Handbill, 22 December 1883
Bostock and Wombwell’s Splendid Menagerie at Royal Agricultural Hall. World Famed Temple of the Dram. Printed by Geo. Stevens, Steam Printer, 87 Commercial Road, E., and Adelaide Buildings, London Bridge, 2pp.
World's Fair Poster, c1800 - 1899
Royal Agricultural Hall, Islington, open 23rd December till 12th February. Black and white photograph of a horse with extremely long hair on both mane and tail with black type around it advertising Linus, the world's wonder born at Oregon, U.S.A. The only double maned horse in existence. Printed by Sam Lightgow, Art and Decorative Show Printer, 79 Surrey Street, Glasgow.