The architect Ralph Tubbs, who gave us the first 'Dome'. The Dome of Discovery.

In June 1949 the King sent a message to Gerald Barry the director-general of the organisation formed to run the Festival.

"The Queen and I trust that every family in all parts of the country will share in this great Festival, so that all of us may join in showing that Britain lives on, now as ever, taking her rightful place among the nations of the world"

Brochures and programs as memento's

I was 6

The big thing this year was the Festival of Britain. Opened on the 3rd of May. What wonders there were to see. I did not understand any of it. I knew it was good because everybody said so. Part of the exhibition was Battersea fun fair or 'Festival Pleasure Gardens'. This I understood.

Crowds queue on the south bank of the Thames for the opening ceremony. Eight and a Half million people had visited the exhibition before it closed on the 6th October.

Maps to help you get around