The exhibition hall was built in 1812, and was the first building in England to be influenced by the Egyptian style. It was commissioned by William Bullock to house his collection of curiosities brought back by Captain Cook, and it also displayed Napoleonic-era relics for a time. A massive success, it was one of the only London venues able to display large items. Later, it was home to shows of illusion, magic, and spiritualism. It was demolished in 1905. Related BRANCH Article: Robert David Aguirre, “Mexico, Independence, and Trans-Atlantic Exchange, 1822-24”