Barometer
1811-1817 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
John Russell (about 1745-1817), the maker of this barometer, trained originally as a blacksmith, before he became one of the best-known clock and watchmakers of his day. In 1811 he was appointed Watchmaker to the Prince Regent (later George IV), and the following year he presented a 'superb gold chronometer of his making' to his royal patron.
This 'wheel barometer' has two small dials for reading finer gradations of atmospheric pressure than can be shown on the main dial. Above this is a thermometer, with three different scales of temperature, including Fahrenheit. The case is decorated with panels of verre églomisé (glass gilded and painted on the back). The bottom one shows a thistle for Scotland, where Russell worked, in Falkirk. On top is a finial of Prince of Wales feathers, probably in reference to his royal appointment.
This 'wheel barometer' has two small dials for reading finer gradations of atmospheric pressure than can be shown on the main dial. Above this is a thermometer, with three different scales of temperature, including Fahrenheit. The case is decorated with panels of verre églomisé (glass gilded and painted on the back). The bottom one shows a thistle for Scotland, where Russell worked, in Falkirk. On top is a finial of Prince of Wales feathers, probably in reference to his royal appointment.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 3 parts.
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| Materials and techniques | Mahogany, brass and glass with verre églomisé |
| Brief description | WHEEL BAROMETER AND THERMOMETER Mahogany case with gilt brass rim and edging, and verre églomisé decoration Inscribed 'J.Russell, Falkirk Invt et Fecit Watchmaker to his R H the Prince Regent', made between 1811 and 1817 |
| Physical description | This wheel barometer is one of several examples made by Russell. It has a mahogany case with rim and twisted edging of gilt brass and a gilt finial in the form of the Feathers of the Prince of Wales, and glass panels decorated on the underside with designs in gold on black (verre églomisé). It has a circular dial with two micrometer dials. A long tapering upper case and short tapering lower case. The upper case contains thermometers with graduated scales according to the Reaumur system, Fahrenheit system and Royal Society of London and is fronted with a glass panel decorated with formal classical foliage and leafy stems in gold on black. The glass panel of the lower case is decorated with a bunch of thistles. The maker's name is painted across the dial. |
| Dimensions |
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| Gallery label |
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| Credit line | Purchased from Messrs Stuart and Turner Ltd, London W1 |
| Summary | John Russell (about 1745-1817), the maker of this barometer, trained originally as a blacksmith, before he became one of the best-known clock and watchmakers of his day. In 1811 he was appointed Watchmaker to the Prince Regent (later George IV), and the following year he presented a 'superb gold chronometer of his making' to his royal patron. This 'wheel barometer' has two small dials for reading finer gradations of atmospheric pressure than can be shown on the main dial. Above this is a thermometer, with three different scales of temperature, including Fahrenheit. The case is decorated with panels of verre églomisé (glass gilded and painted on the back). The bottom one shows a thistle for Scotland, where Russell worked, in Falkirk. On top is a finial of Prince of Wales feathers, probably in reference to his royal appointment. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.18-1936 |
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| Record created | October 18, 2000 |
| Record URL |
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