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History of Science Museum

Photograph (Albumen Print) of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, by J. Simmons, c.1870

Inventory Number 12784


Item type
Object
Provenance
From H. H. Turner or the University Observatory, Oxford.
Primary inscriptions
Signed on front of mount, bottom right: 'J. Simmons. Photo.'.
Other inscriptions
Inscribed on back: 'Ex Collection of H. H. Turner' [in F. R. Maddison's hand].
Physical material
Paper
Card
Dimensions
Height: 271mm Width: 362mm
Inventory No
12784

Description

Large albumen print mounted on card. View of the main building of the Royal Observatory, Greenwich. The time-ball, wind vain, and other features on the roof can be seen very clearly. The mottled appearance of the sky may result from the mounting adhesive. Unusually large format (over 10 by 14 inches), presumably contact printed from a glass negative of that size. Card mount very brittle, several pieces broken away and several breaks (some repaired). The modern provenance note on the back ('Ex Collection of H. H. Turner') implies it has been removed from a frame carrying that information.