The Airy Family relax together after a game of croquet, about 1868.
Dr Louise Devoy, Curator of the ROG, will take us through the exhibits known as Observatory Life in the ROG Flamsteed House Astronomer’s Apartments. Louise will introduce the displays and tell us about the ideas behind the exhibition and the choice of items, and share some of the stories from the history of the ROG and lives of the Astronomers Royal and their families.
For its working life, from the time of John Flamsteed to Sir Harold Spencer Jones, most of ‘Flamsteed House’ was a residence for the Astronomer Royal and his family. The displays in Observatory Life look at the life and times of two families who lived there – the Maskelynes 1765-1811, and the Airys 1835-1881. Nevil and Sophia Maskelyne had one daughter and were well-connected to the leading figures in astronomy of the time. George and Richarda Airy had nine children, six of whom survived to adulthood. George was effectively chief scientific advisor to the government and was presented with many honours including a knighthood in 1872.
For more information about Observatory Life please see http://www.rmg.co.uk/see-do/we-recommend/attractions/observatory-life
The tours are free to Flamsteed members. Tours will start at 10:30 and 11:45 and take approximately 45 minutes. Due to space restrictions in the Apartments, places are limited to 12 people per tour and advance booking is essential. Booking is open to Flamsteed members only.
Please do not book a place on this event if you are not a member of the society. Your booking will be cancelled if your name does not appear on our membership database.
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