Item MM 97987 Engraving - Transit Telescope, Melbourne Observatory, A. H. Fullwood, circa 1886

Summary

Coloured engraving of the 8-inch transit telescope at Melbourne Observatory, by artist and engraver Albert Henry Fullwood (1863-1930). The telescope was installed in the newly constructed East Transit Room in 1884.

Description of Content

Coloured engraving of the 8 inch transit telescope at Melbourne Observatory, by artist and engraver Albert Henry Fullwood (1863-1930). The telescope was installed in the newly constructed East Transit Room in 1884.

Physical Description

Coloured engraving of the 8 inch transit telescope at Melbourne Observatory, by artist and engraver Albert Henry Fullwood (1863-1930). The telescope was installed in the newly constructed East Transit Room in 1884.

Significance

This engraving depicts the 8 inch transit telescope by Troughton & Simms, London, which was installed in the new East Transit Room at Melbourne Observatory. The transit telescope was the main telescope for positional astronomy at the Melbourne Observatory, and key to the observatory's work in mapping of southern hemisphere stars and maintaining standard time for Victoria.
The image itself is significant because it demonstrates the status of Melbourne Observatory as a key Melbourne institution in the public's perception in the late 19th century.
Albert Henry Fullwood was an established Sydney artist and illustrator who travelled extensively throughout Australia 1883-86 for John Sands Ltd, doing illustrations for the Picturesque Atlas of Australasia.