Copyright of the Illustrated London News

The Dome of Discovery was one of the most futuristic buildings on the South Bank Exhibition site. Designed by the architect Ralph Tubbs, it resembled a huge flying saucer and was entirely constructed from prefabricated concrete, steel and aluminium. With a diameter of 365 feet (111m) it was the world’s largest domed building and its galleried interior housed exhibits examining British achievements in world exploration.

Bryan de Grineau (1883-1957) was commissioned by the Illustrated London News to document the development of London’s major Festival sites. This drawing first appeared in the 12 May edition of the journal and beautifully captures visitors dwarfed by the Dome's vast interior.