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Brass Telescope Collection

"Unlocking the Secrets of the Universe

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: The Great Astronomer Schiaparelli at the Brera Observatory (colour litho)

The Great Astronomer Schiaparelli at the Brera Observatory (colour litho)
2798364 The Great Astronomer Schiaparelli at the Brera Observatory (colour litho) by Beltrame, Achille (1871-1945); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, Vice-Admiral of the Blue (1769-1839), 1834 (oil on canvas)

Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, Vice-Admiral of the Blue (1769-1839), 1834 (oil on canvas)
7337926 Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, Vice-Admiral of the Blue (1769-1839), 1834 (oil on canvas) by Evans, Richard (1784-1871) ; 143.5x113.7 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Lieutenant Henry Fortescue (1798-1876), 1824 (Oil in canvas)

Lieutenant Henry Fortescue (1798-1876), 1824 (Oil in canvas)
7337902 Lieutenant Henry Fortescue (1798-1876), 1824 (Oil in canvas) by Ferneley, John E. (1782-1860); 56x43.2 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Captain W.E. Parry R.N. 1821 (stipple engraving)

Captain W.E. Parry R.N. 1821 (stipple engraving)
7295539 Captain W.E. Parry R.N. 1821 (stipple engraving) by Drummond, Samuel (1765-1844); 23x14.1 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Commander of the Polar Expedition 1819-1820)

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Lord Rosse's Great Reflecting Telescope, at Parsonstown, Ireland, 1853 (cotton, brass)

Lord Rosse's Great Reflecting Telescope, at Parsonstown, Ireland, 1853 (cotton, brass)
7340081 Lord Rosse's Great Reflecting Telescope, at Parsonstown, Ireland, 1853 (cotton, brass) by British School, (19th century); 118.3x89.2 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Rear-Admiral Sir Alexander John Ball (1757-1809), 1805-09 (oil on canvas)

Rear-Admiral Sir Alexander John Ball (1757-1809), 1805-09 (oil on canvas)
7337831 Rear-Admiral Sir Alexander John Ball (1757-1809), 1805-09 (oil on canvas) by Pickersgill, Henry William (1782-1875); 127x101.6 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Reading the chronograph at Royal Observatory, Greenwich, 19th century (engraving)

Reading the chronograph at Royal Observatory, Greenwich, 19th century (engraving)
7337545 Reading the chronograph at Royal Observatory, Greenwich, 19th century (engraving) by Unknown Artist, (19th century); 109.5x149.2x5 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Compass and dipleidoscope, an instrument for evaluating exact noon

Compass and dipleidoscope, an instrument for evaluating exact noon, composed of a small telescope and a prism
MMM5470113 Compass and dipleidoscope, an instrument for evaluating exact noon, composed of a small telescope and a prism, 1853-60 (copper); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Admiral of the Royal Navy, 18th century

Admiral of the Royal Navy, 18th century
MMM5482504 Admiral of the Royal Navy, 18th century by Rowlandson, Thomas (1756-1827); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Admiral of the Royal Navy, in the 18th century)

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Portrait of Rear Admiral William Pierrepont (1767-1813)

Portrait of Rear Admiral William Pierrepont (1767-1813)
MMM5480495 Portrait of Rear Admiral William Pierrepont (1767-1813) by Russell, John (1745-1806); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Captain Sir Edward Vernon (1723-1794), mid 18th century (oil on canvas)

Captain Sir Edward Vernon (1723-1794), mid 18th century (oil on canvas)
7338073 Captain Sir Edward Vernon (1723-1794), mid 18th century (oil on canvas) by Hayman, Francis (1708-76); 76.2x63.5 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Nelson at Copenhagen (litho)

Nelson at Copenhagen (litho)
8671681 Nelson at Copenhagen (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Nelson at Copenhagen)

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Tom Saunders, on board an Indiaman, using a glass to observe another vessel through the gunport

Tom Saunders, on board an Indiaman, using a glass to observe another vessel through the gunport, 1850
3330769 Tom Saunders, on board an Indiaman, using a glass to observe another vessel through the gunport, 1850; (add.info.: Engraving of Tom Saunders, on board an Indiaman)

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: An allegory of optics, representing an eye in the center of a star, 1820 (etching)

An allegory of optics, representing an eye in the center of a star, 1820 (etching)
MMM5477354 An allegory of optics, representing an eye in the center of a star, 1820 (etching); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: An allegory of optics)

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: View of Greenwich (England), one summer evening, from the heights of the park, at the back

View of Greenwich (England), one summer evening, from the heights of the park, at the back, the London skyline
MMM5485001 View of Greenwich (England), one summer evening, from the heights of the park, at the back, the London skyline by Cox, David, the younger (1809-85); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Sailor on look out, c.1855 (oil on canvas)

Sailor on look out, c.1855 (oil on canvas)
7337776 Sailor on look out, c.1855 (oil on canvas) by Marks, Henry Stacy (1829-98); 44.4x30.3 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Astronomical glass plate of diagram of The Royal Observatory at Cape of Good Hope (glass negative)

Astronomical glass plate of diagram of The Royal Observatory at Cape of Good Hope (glass negative)
7342383 Astronomical glass plate of diagram of The Royal Observatory at Cape of Good Hope (glass negative) by Peers, Charles Ernest (1875-1944); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Greenwich (Royal Observatory), 1920s (graphite)

Greenwich (Royal Observatory), 1920s (graphite)
7341729 Greenwich (Royal Observatory), 1920s (graphite) by Wyllie, William Lionel (1851-1931); 25.4x35.3 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Sir William Henry Mahoney Christie, c.1911 (print)

Sir William Henry Mahoney Christie, c.1911 (print)
7339306 Sir William Henry Mahoney Christie, c.1911 (print) by Jacomb-Hood, George Percy (1857-1930) (after); 36.7x29 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Ramages new telescope, 19th century (steel engraving)

Ramages new telescope, 19th century (steel engraving)
7341592 Ramages new telescope, 19th century (steel engraving) by Read, W. (fl.1818-37); 10.8x10.2 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: W. P)

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Searching for Halley's Comet at Greenwich Observatory, 1909 (Pen ink, monochrome watercolour, paper)

Searching for Halley's Comet at Greenwich Observatory, 1909 (Pen ink, monochrome watercolour, paper)
7340782 Searching for Halley's Comet at Greenwich Observatory, 1909 (Pen ink, monochrome watercolour, paper) by Robinson, William Heath (1872-1944); 42x29 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Zenith sector telescope, 1727 (iron, tin)

Zenith sector telescope, 1727 (iron, tin)
7340751 Zenith sector telescope, 1727 (iron, tin) by Unknown photographer, (20th century); 381x7.2 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Royal William Victualling Yard, Plymouth, from Mount Edgecombe

Royal William Victualling Yard, Plymouth, from Mount Edgecombe. Inversed digital file to create b&w positive
7342528 Royal William Victualling Yard, Plymouth, from Mount Edgecombe. Inversed digital file to create b&w positive. 1845 (calotype negative, paper) by Talbot

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: How man learns from the human eye (litho)

How man learns from the human eye (litho)
8676259 How man learns from the human eye (litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: How man learns from the human eye. Inventions using lenses)

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Gottfried von Pappenheim, German general of the Thirty Years War (colour litho)

Gottfried von Pappenheim, German general of the Thirty Years War (colour litho)
8655449 Gottfried von Pappenheim, German general of the Thirty Years War (colour litho) by Dyck, Anthony van (1599-1641) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Gottfried von Pappenheim (1594-1632)

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Telescope, Lick Observatory; Chinese Restaurant, San Francisco (b/w photo)

Telescope, Lick Observatory; Chinese Restaurant, San Francisco (b/w photo)
8644666 Telescope, Lick Observatory; Chinese Restaurant, San Francisco (b/w photo) by American Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Telescope)

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Vice-Admiral George Darby (circa 1720-1790), 1783-86 (oil on canvas)

Vice-Admiral George Darby (circa 1720-1790), 1783-86 (oil on canvas)
7337877 Vice-Admiral George Darby (circa 1720-1790), 1783-86 (oil on canvas) by Romney, George (1734-1802); 243.8x152.4 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Admiral Sir John Jennings (1664-1743), 1708-09 (oil on canvas)

Admiral Sir John Jennings (1664-1743), 1708-09 (oil on canvas)
7337949 Admiral Sir John Jennings (1664-1743), 1708-09 (oil on canvas) by Kneller, Godfrey (1646-1723); 126.5x122 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Looking at the comet till you get a criek in the neck, 1811 (etching)

Looking at the comet till you get a criek in the neck, 1811 (etching)
7340076 Looking at the comet till you get a criek in the neck, 1811 (etching) by Rowlandson, Thomas (1756-1827); 39.2x26.5 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Mrs. Bryan and her Children, 1797 (engraving)

Mrs. Bryan and her Children, 1797 (engraving)
7340002 Mrs. Bryan and her Children, 1797 (engraving) by Shelley, Samuel (1750-1808); 29x13 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Flagmen of Lowestoft: Admiral Sir George Ayscue (active 1646-1671), 1665-66 (oil on canvas)

Flagmen of Lowestoft: Admiral Sir George Ayscue (active 1646-1671), 1665-66 (oil on canvas)
7337829 Flagmen of Lowestoft: Admiral Sir George Ayscue (active 1646-1671), 1665-66 (oil on canvas) by Lely, Peter (1618-80); 127x101.5 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: A Solar Eclipse in Siam, c.1700 (watercolour)

A Solar Eclipse in Siam, c.1700 (watercolour)
8698472 A Solar Eclipse in Siam, c.1700 (watercolour) by French School, (18th century); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris, France; (add.info.: Science. Astronomy)

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Two pilots on surveillance, each carrying their own telescope (long view), pointed at sea

Two pilots on surveillance, each carrying their own telescope (long view), pointed at sea
MMM5480841 Two pilots on surveillance, each carrying their own telescope (long view), pointed at sea, from the platform of a fortified building by Atkinson

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Bradley telescope, commissioned by the royal astronomer John Pond (1767-1836)

Bradley telescope, commissioned by the royal astronomer John Pond (1767-1836) and built by Edward Troughton (1753-1825)
MMM5470377 Bradley telescope, commissioned by the royal astronomer John Pond (1767-1836) and built by Edward Troughton (1753-1825), 1812 (brass); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Portrait of John Hanning Speke, c.1863 (b/w photo)

Portrait of John Hanning Speke, c.1863 (b/w photo)
MMM5477340 Portrait of John Hanning Speke, c.1863 (b/w photo); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Portrait of John Hanning Speke (1827-1864) on his left, a sextant on his foot

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Life at sea, description of leisure moments on board boats, under the supervision of a naval

Life at sea, description of leisure moments on board boats, under the supervision of a naval officer: sailors shave
MMM5460188 Life at sea, description of leisure moments on board boats, under the supervision of a naval officer: sailors shave, draw, read (or study), play music (flute)

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: The Duke of Wellington K. G. late 18th to 19th century (halftone)

The Duke of Wellington K. G. late 18th to 19th century (halftone)
7342307 The Duke of Wellington K. G. late 18th to 19th century (halftone) by British School, (18th-19th century); 24.8x15 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: W)

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Astronomical glass plate of diagram of The Royal Observatory at Cape of Good Hope (glass negative)

Astronomical glass plate of diagram of The Royal Observatory at Cape of Good Hope (glass negative)
7342384 Astronomical glass plate of diagram of The Royal Observatory at Cape of Good Hope (glass negative) by Peers, Charles Ernest (1875-1944); National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: An astronomer with astrolabe and a telescope, 1854 (etching)

An astronomer with astrolabe and a telescope, 1854 (etching)
7341589 An astronomer with astrolabe and a telescope, 1854 (etching) by Rye, William Brenchley (1818-1901); 21x28.6 cm; National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Creator: W.B)

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Admiral Sir Peter Warren (1703-1752), 1748-52 (oil on canvas)

Admiral Sir Peter Warren (1703-1752), 1748-52 (oil on canvas)
7338077 Admiral Sir Peter Warren (1703-1752), 1748-52 (oil on canvas) by Hudson, Thomas (1701-79); 127x101.6 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Mounting of Mr Reade's 12-ft Telescope (engraving)

Mounting of Mr Reade's 12-ft Telescope (engraving)
8629568 Mounting of Mr Reade's 12-ft Telescope (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Mounting of Mr Reade's 12-ft Telescope)

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Bateau a vapeur & Chemin de Fer, 19th century (hand coloured woodcut on paper)

Bateau a vapeur & Chemin de Fer, 19th century (hand coloured woodcut on paper)
7485300 Bateau a vapeur & Chemin de Fer, 19th century (hand coloured woodcut on paper) by Unknown Artist, (19th century); 30x37 cm; Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust, Telford, Shropshire

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Portrait of Captain William Hewett, c.1840 (watercolour, wood, glass)

Portrait of Captain William Hewett, c.1840 (watercolour, wood, glass)
7341584 Portrait of Captain William Hewett, c.1840 (watercolour, wood, glass) by Gregory, George T. (19th century); 38.4x33.5x6.1 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: 28-inch visual refractor telescope, c.1893 (cast iron, steel)

28-inch visual refractor telescope, c.1893 (cast iron, steel)
7337584 28-inch visual refractor telescope, c.1893 (cast iron, steel) by Grubb, Howard (1844-1931); 820x0 cm; National Maritime Museum, London

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: The original astronomical observations made in the course of a voyage towards the South Pole

The original astronomical observations made in the course of a voyage towards the South Pole
7337577 The original astronomical observations made in the course of a voyage towards the South Pole, and around the world in His Majesty's ships the Resolution and Adventure

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Three figures using astronomical equipment in the Great Star Room or the Octagon Room

Three figures using astronomical equipment in the Great Star Room or the Octagon Room, as it is known today
7342715 Three figures using astronomical equipment in the Great Star Room or the Octagon Room, as it is known today, at the Royal Observatory

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Marine spotting scope (Longview), with marine signal flag code, c.1810 (object)

Marine spotting scope (Longview), with marine signal flag code, c.1810 (object)
MMM5476130 Marine spotting scope (Longview), with marine signal flag code, c.1810 (object); National Maritime Museum, London, UK; (add.info.: Marine spotting scope (Longview)

Background imageBrass Telescope Collection: Retractable telescope and its foot, which belonged to the Reverend George Fischer (1794-1873)

Retractable telescope and its foot, which belonged to the Reverend George Fischer (1794-1873)
MMM5476392 Retractable telescope and its foot, which belonged to the Reverend George Fischer (1794-1873), c.1815 (mahogany and copper); National Maritime Museum, London




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"Unlocking the Secrets of the Universe: The Brass Telescope" Step back in time to witness the pivotal moments in scientific history as you explore the captivating world of the brass telescope. From Galileo Galilei's groundbreaking trial in 1633 to John Milton's fascination with astronomy, this remarkable instrument has played a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the cosmos. Immerse yourself in an enchanting postcard by Nicolo Barabino, Italy, circa 1900, where a brass telescope stands tall amidst a backdrop of celestial wonders. Feel the weight of knowledge and discovery as you gaze upon an engraving depicting John Milton and Galileo Galilei engaging in intellectual discourse during the 19th century. Transport yourself to another realm through George Barbier's mesmerizing illustration that captures both elegance and curiosity intertwined within this magnificent tool. Let your imagination soar alongside Adam Duncan, 1st Viscount Duncan of Camperdown, whose trusty brass telescope guided him through countless maritime adventures. Marvel at Leon Foucault's revolutionary telescope from 1862, engraved for eternity, showcasing how science continuously pushes boundaries. Discover Sir Friedrich Wilhelm Herschel peering into his own creation with unwavering determination—a testament to human ingenuity captured forever on an engraving. Embark on fantastical journeys like Doctor Dolittle himself with Hugh Lofting's whimsical title page from "The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, " where a brass telescope becomes a portal to extraordinary worlds beyond our own. Witness Prince Eugene of Savoy commanding armies at Belgrade while relying on his trusted companion—the ever-reliable brass telescope—depicted vividly through an exquisite engraving. Uncover hidden mysteries etched into Scottish heritage as you decipher clues left behind by those who came before us—an enigmatic letter 'F' symbolizing Scotland’s connection to astronomical exploration.