May 1856: Panoramas in Glasgow – The Royal Polytechnic – The Panorama of the Road, the Rail, and the River

An article on page five of The Glasgow Herald, on Friday the 16th of May, 1856, reads:

 

“The Royal Polytechnic.—The Panorama of the Road, the Rail, and the River has been the great feature of

this institution during the week, and a sight of that alone is worth twice the price of admission. The days

of the good old stage coach is vividly recalled, and some of the stirring scenes when the mail sticks among

the snow are powerfully realised. The Panorama of the Frozen Regions has also been exhibited, and a most

impressive view it gives of the dazzling and awful grandeur of these regions. The audience at times almost

feels the cold of the ice mountains, and shivers at the view of the North Pole. The Chromotropes are real

beauties, and throw forth their dazzling colours in swelling numbers that astonish spectators. Fresh

attractions are announced for next week. The well-established public favourite Mr. McMillan is to appear

nightly during the week.”

 

 

 

George Fairfull-Smith, September 2026.