Pencil drawing, dated and signed by 'E.S' [Elizabeth Smith]. In this view, the Astronomer Royal, George Airy, is shown crossing the Front Court with a book in hand. Behind him are the rooms which housed the majority of the Observatory’s most important telescopes (now known as the Meridian Building). The gothic window in the centre was removed when the Circle Room was converted into the Transit Room. This room housed the Transit Circle. The two Mural Circles were located in the adjoining room to the left. Further to the left is the extension of 1813 (the East Building) surmounted by the Sheepshanks Dome.

This is a rare image of the Astronomer Royal. Another drawing in the RGO Archives shows him taking observations at Kensall Green Cemetery [RGO 6/47: 346a]