Letter:And the winner is . . .
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.YOUR report on the Millenium Fund ("Design for futurist Britain", 11 December) referred to Joseph Paxton's design of Crystal Palace as the competition winner. This is not so. In May 1850 the Building Committee rejected all 245 submissions to the a rchitectural competition. The Building Committee, which included six famous 19th-century engineers and architects, then produced its own design on 22 June, which went out to tender. The design was so grotesque it became a laughing stock. At the last mome nt the Duke of Devonshire persuaded them to allow an alternative design. Paxton, his head gardener, produced drawings in nine days. They were accepted by the commission on 26 July and the contractor moved on to the site on 30 July.
Ewart Parkinson Former President Royal Town Planning Institute Cardiff
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments