Trade card of James Pain, pyrotechnist 4228

Charles Brock's spectacular firework fetes at the Crystal Palace during the 1860s and 70s inspired other pyrotechnists to emulate his dramatic displays. Fireworks became so popular that Royal guests, including Cetewayo King of the Zulus who visited England in 1882, and the King of the Maoris who came in 1884, were welcomed by public firework shows. James Pain, one of the winners of a competition held in September 1876 at Alexandra Palace, enjoyed increasing success with displays "specially arranged for birthdays, majorities, weddings, public & private fetes, regattas &c." such as this one staged in the 1880s for the Royal Yacht Squadron.