Design Technology
Armillary Sphere Detail
Planetarium
Shagreen
Key Stage: Any
Maximum number: See Planning a visit
Please contact the Education Officer to discuss facilitated visits tailored to meet the needs of your students.
You may wish to consider a joint visit to the museum and Oxford University’s Department of Material Sciences.
WHAT THE MUSEUM HAS TO OFFER
The museum has a wide range of scientific instruments and models which illustrate the use of various mechanisms, different materials for construction, the evolving nature of design to meet different purposes, and high levels of craftsmanship.
The use of different materials includes wood, ivory, glass, brass, steel, enamel, plastics and ceramics as well as more unusual materials such as shagreen. In particular, the eighteenth century transition from the use of traditional materials such as wood and pasteboard – both used in the construction of early telescopes and microscopes – to the widespread use of brass illustrates the effect of growing industrial technologies and the appropriate use of materials to achieve greater precision in instruments.
Shagreen was a quality finish often used on early instruments and cases. It was made from untanned leather treated with plant seeds in order to produce a textured surface which was then dyed, often green. Later on, shark or ray skin was used to give a similarly scaly texture.
The diversity of designs and individuality of different instrument makers can be appreciated in the fabulous collection of astrolabes, different types of sundials, and a wide range of historical microscopes.
Astrolabe detail
