Accession No

3928

Brief Description

mounted and framed print of Thomas Phelps and John Bartlett at work in Sherburn Castle Observatory, by James Watson, English, 1776

Origin

England

Maker

Watson, James

Class

prints; astronomy

Earliest Date

1776

Latest Date

1776

Inscription Date

Material

paper; card; wood; glass

Dimensions

460 x 310mm (including frame)

Special Collection

Provenance

Inscription

(lower right edge of print) James Watson fecit.
(under print) Thomas Phelps, aged 82. Who from being a Stable Boy in the year 1718, to the then Lord Chief Justice Parker, afterwards Earl of Macclesfield, rose by his Merit, to the upper Employments in that Family, and at last for his uncommon Genius, was promoted to be Observer, in their Observatory at Sherburn Castle. He was born at Chalgrove in Oxfordshire, January 1694.
John Bartlett. At the time his Picture was drawn, aged 54. Originally a Shepherd, in which Station, he, by Books & Observation acquired such a Knowledge in Computation, and of the Heavenly Bodies, as induced the late Geroge Earl of Macclesfield to appoint him Assistant Observer, in his Observatory at Sherburn Castle. He was born at Stoke Talmage in Oxfordshire, August 22.d 1721. O.S.

Description Notes

Mezzotint showing Phelps and Bartlett observing. Phelps is using a meridian telescope while Bartlett takes notes. Other objects in the room include a second telescope (free standing), an astronomical regulator and a celestial globe.

Slight yellowing of surrounding border. Strong plate-mark.

Mounted and framed.

Condition - good.

References

Events