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Microscope (detail)

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made in London

Microscope (detail)
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This photograph shows the signature on an achromatic compound brass microscope made in London between 1840 and 1845. The signature on the base of the instrument reads: 'CARPENTER & WESTLEY / 24, Regent St. / LONDON'.

The signature on an instrument does not mean that it was necessarily made by that person, or even in his workshop. Often, makers sold their instruments to larger organisations, possibly even in another place, and the retailer would have their name engraved on them. For instance, despite the signature implying that this instrument was made by the firm of Carpenter & Westley of London, known to be retailers, it was probably made by the specialist London microscope makers Powell & Lealand.

Hugh Powell (1799-1883) appears to have worked as a supplier for the instrument trade before he set up on his own and began, in 1840, to sign his microscopes 'Hugh Powell'. In 1842 he took his brother-in-law, Peter Lealand, into partnership, and thereafter instruments were signed 'Powell & Lealand'. Carpenter & Westley were in business in Regent Street, London from 1833, where they were suppliers of microscopes and other optical apparatus.

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