Photographer
PING PONG PHOTOS
Wreck of the Crystal Hall in London, 1907
Date1907
DimensionsOverall: 24.1 x 29.8 cm
Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. C. Warder, 1965
Object number1965.090.002
Label TextOn July 16, 1907, W. J. Reid’s Crystal Hall, at 197-199 Dundas Street, collapsed. Seven people were killed. For decades, this glass and crockery retail and wholesale business had sold a wide range of goods.
In 1907, Reid leased part of the building to Peter Smirlie, who planned to open a bowling alley and billiards hall. Against his builders’ advice, Smirlie added windows and replaced the main floor’s centre wall with iron pillars. London had no building inspectors to prevent the changes.
Investigators did not blame anyone for the disaster. London hired its first building inspector not long after.
NamePhotograph
c. 1870
c. 1890
Early 20th Century