Record

Barometer (detail)

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Probably made in Glasgow

Postcard of Barometer (detail).
000-190-001-060-C
© National Museums Scotland

Barometer (detail)

This is a detail of a barometer made just before 1800, probably by John Gardner, a scientific instrument maker based in Glasgow. Gardner had been James Watt's principal journeyman before setting up on his own.

The stick barometer has ivory plates with two scales and a sliding pointer. The right scale is marked 27-31 inches, the left 'Serene/ Set Fair/FAIR /Change/ RAIN/Mh. Rain/ Stormy'. The left plate is signed 'J. Gardner/ Glasgow fecit' at the bottom.

Scottish barometers of this period sometimes have the word 'Serene' on their register plates instead of the more mundane 'Very Dry'.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-190-001-060-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  T.1980.69
Date: Before 1800
Material: Harewood, tulipwood, ivory register plates, inset marquetry motif. Inscription: J. Gardner / Glasgow fecit ; Serene / Set Fair / FAIR / Change. / RAIN / Mh Rain / Stormy
Dimensions: 80 mm x 40 mm x 980 mm
What: Barometer, concertina cistern stick
Subject: 10. METEOROLOGY (Departmental Classification)
Who: J. Gardner, Glasgow (Maker)
Where: Scotland, Lanarkshire, Glasgow
Event:
Description: Concertina cistern stick barometer made from harewood and tulipwood with ivory register plates and an inset marquetry motif, by John Gardner, Glasgow, before 1800
References:
  • Bryden, D.J. Scottish Scientific Instrument Makers 1660-1900. Edinburgh, 1972 pp 48-9 
  • Clarke, T.N., Morrison-Low, A.D. & Simpson, A.D.C. Brass & glass scientific instrument making workshops in Scotland as illustrated by instruments from the Arthur Frank Collection at the Royal Museum of Scotland. Edinburgh: NMS, 1989. pp 164, 171 
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