History of Science Museum, Oxford
Established | 1683 (as Ashmolean Museum) 1924 (as Lewis Evans Collection 1935 (as Museum of the History of Science) |
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Location | Broad Street, Oxford, England |
Coordinates | 51°45′16″N 1°15′19″W / 51.75443°N 1.25519°W |
Type | University museum of the history of science |
Visitors | 148,412 (2019)[1] |
Director | Silke Ackermann |
Website | History of Science Museum |
The History of Science Museum in
History
Built in 1683 to house
Collections and exhibitions
The collection and the building itself now occupies a special position in the study of the history of science and in the development of western culture and collecting. One of the most iconic objects in the collection is Einstein's Blackboard[3] that Albert Einstein used on 16 May 1931 in his lectures while visiting the University of Oxford, rescued by dons including E. J. Bowen and Gavin de Beer.[4]
The current collection contains around 18,000 objects from antiquity to the early 20th century, representing almost all aspects of the history of science and is used for both academic study and enjoyment by the visiting public. The museum contains a wide range of scientific instruments, such as
]The museum shows the development of mechanical clocks.
From October 2009 until February 2010, the Museum hosted the first major exhibition of Steampunk art objects, curated by Art Donovan and presented by Dr Jim Bennett, then the museum director.[7][8]
The museum is also home to the Rochester Avionic Archive, which includes a collection of avionics that originated with the Elliot Brothers, but also includes pieces from Marconi and BAE Systems.[9]
Curators
The following have been Curator or Secretary to the Committee or Director at the museum:[11][12]
- R. T. Gunther(1924–40)
- F. Sherwood Taylor (1940–45, temporary; 1945–50)
- C. H. Josten(1950–64; 1964–94, emeritus)
- F. R. Maddison(1964–94)
- J. A. Bennett(1994–2012)
- Stephen Johnston (acting director, 2012–14)
- Silke Ackermann (2014 onwards)
See also
- Dr Jim Bennett, the museum's former Keeper/Director (retired in 2012)
- Dr Silke Ackermann, the museum's Director (from 2014)
- Oxford University Scientific Society
- Museum of Oxford
- Whipple Museum of the History of Science, the equivalent institution at the University of Cambridge
References
- ^ "ALVA - Association of Leading Visitor Attractions". www.alva.org.uk. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
- ^ "History of the Museum". History of Science Museum. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
- ^ "Bye-bye blackboard... from Einstein and others". Museum of the History of Science.
- ^ Gunther, A. E. (1967). Robert T. Gunther. Early Science in Oxford. Vol. XV. Oxford. pp. 250, 436.
- ISBN 0-903364-06-9.
- ^ "Collection of turned ivory and other objects, by Lady Gertrude E. Crawford (MHS Record Details: IRN 8076, Inventory number 26440)". Museum of the History of Science. Retrieved 23 December 2020.
- ^ "Steampunk". Museum of the History of Science, Oxford.
Imagine the technology of today with the aesthetic of Victorian science. From redesigned practical items to fantastical contraptions, this exhibition showcases the work of eighteen Steampunk artists from across the globe.
- ^ Ward, Mark (30 November 2009). "Tech Know: Fast forward to the past". Technology. BBC. Retrieved 30 November 2009.
- ^ "ABOUT ROCHESTER AVIONIC ARCHIVES". Rochester Avionic Archives. Rochester Avionic Archives. Retrieved 27 November 2017.
- Museum of the History of Science. Retrieved 28 March 2014.
- ISBN 0-903364-04-2.
- PMID 17153170.