Name/Title
Georgian TelescopeEntry/Object ID
2022.3Description
*purchased in 2022. It is listed on Rufus's inventory in 1819 that he owned a telescope during his time living here. The decision was made to accession this item into the collection, being that Rufus would have owned one similar.
Antique achromatic telescope dating from the late Georgian period circa 1814-1830. It has a mahogany covered barrel and brass draw tubes. The maker's name is inscribed on the draw tube as 'W. Harris & Co, 50 Holburn London'.
This type of Gentleman's Library telescope was very popular in the late Georgian period. This was the time of the scientific expansion throughout Europe and the United States of America. Amateur scientists were at the front of scientific breakthroughs during this time and formed gentleman's clubs and societies to collate and expand on their findings. Following on from the Royal Society founded in 1660, The Royal Geographical Society was formed in 1830, The Royal Astronomical Society in 1831 to name but a few.
William Harris worked for the famous Sir David Brewster in Edinburgh until about 1800. He then began to produce instruments under his own name. In 1814 he opened premises at 50 Holborn in London, marking his output as William Harris and Co. In 1840, the firm's name was changed to William Harris & Son.Dimensions
Dimension Notes
Size: Closed 25 inches (63 cm) Fully Open approx 32 inches (81cm).
Weight approx 5kg.
Height when on stand approx 19 inches (48cm).Provenance
Notes
MadCarewCollectibles, Selkirk, Scotland