Drawing instruments

Add to album

This set of brass drawing instruments was made around 1740, probably by George Hearne, a scientific instrument maker based in London.

The set includes a brass sector, a rectangular protractor, a set of scales, dividers, compasses, pens and pencil holders and a boxwood rule. The items are contained in a fish-skin-covered case with a velvet-lined interior.

Hearne made large reflecting telescopes, having been instructed by the scientist John Hadley (1682-1744), the astronomer John Bradley (1693-1762) and Samuel Molyneux (1687-1728), who between them revived the reflecting telescope in the 18th century.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-102-827-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1985.76
• Date: Around 1740
  c. 1740
  
• Material: Drawing instrument
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Drawing instrument
  
• Subject:
• Who: G. Hearne (Possibly the maker)
  George Hearne, London (Maker)
  
• Where: England, London
  
• Event:
• Description: Drawing instruments by George Hearne, London, c. 1740
  
• References:
  • Hambly, Maya, Drawing Instruments 1580-1980. London: 1988, pp 176-7 
• Translations:
• Related Records: