At the height of the Industrial Revolution, Prince Albert conceived the Great Exhibition of 1851 to display industrial products from nations all over the world, a fashion that soon spread to other parts of Europe and beyond. Artisans from across India produced objects of art for display and sale at these international exhibitions. In 1867, the Paris Universal Exhibition was held under the reign of Napoleon III. This medal was awarded to the Government of Bombay for its contribution of samples of raw cotton with the words 'Hors Concours' meaning 'Outstanding'.