Sketch of the Time Signal Ball, as fallen into the Front Court, in consequence of the breaking of the mast, 1855-12-17
Scope and Contents
Pencil sketch on paper. While the artist is not specified, this appears to be the work of Hubert Airy (1838-1903), son of George and Richarda Airy. A finished watercolour by Hubert Airy of the same subject matter is held in the collections of the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich [http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections/objects/79752.html]. This artwork appears to be the preparatory sketch for that painting.
The time ball, dropped at 1pm every day, was mounted in 1833 as a time signal for mariners within sight on the Thames. On 6 December 1855, it fell dramatically from the roof of Flamsteed House into the courtyard below, where it was drawn on spot by Hubert Airy. The ball and attached weather vane were damaged and required repair before being re-erected.
Dates
- Creation: 1855-12-17
Creator
- From the Management Group: Royal Greenwich Observatory (Organization)
Conditions Governing Access
Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).
Extent
1 item(s) (1 drawing) : Paper
Language of Materials
English
Finding aid date
2018-01-29 16:21:53+00:00
Repository Details
Part of the Cambridge University Library Repository
Cambridge University Library
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Cambridge CB3 9DR United Kingdom
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