Crystal Palace’s radical gardeners | Brief letters
The creation of the Crystal Palace didn’t rely solely on ordinary components (Solved: the mystery of how Victorians built Crystal Palace in just 190 days, 16 September). The structure was assembled using adaptable parts, many of which were pre-made, employing techniques that weren’t devised by engineers but rather by two horticulturists, John Claudius Loudon and Joseph Paxton (the Palace's architect). These methods had been refined through the construction of greenhouses. This is just one instance of how advancements in gardening technology have had a significant impact on our world. Roderick FloudAuthor, An Economic History of the English Garden.
Kurt Schwitters played a crucial role in rescuing George Melly from a potentially serious attack in the early 1950s. Melly recounted an incident where, late at night, he was approached by three young men looking for trouble. To defend himself, he began to recite Schwitters' poem, Ursonate. The strange and nonsensical words he spoke quickly caused the would-be assailants to back off in a hurry. - Phil Rhoden, Low Habberley, Worcestershire
I appreciated Lucy Mangan's not-so-flattering critique of Nightsleeper (15 September). I'm excited about the idea of a sequel featuring a criminal who successfully breaks into a train seat booking system and causes mayhem. Wait a minute… Tom Sharpe, Stockport, Greater Manchester
One of my top picks from the Lost Consonants series by Graham Rawle (Obituary, September 11) featured the caption “Andrew Lloyd Webber creates another successful musical.” Rest in peace. - Steven Burkeman, York
If the prime minister and his spouse are relying on donations for their clothing (as reported on September 18), when might they begin using food banks as well? Barbara Bellaby Hollinsclough, Staffordshire
