Inkstand
Silver gilt ink stand presented to George Biddell Airy, Astonomer Royal (1801-92).
The stand is of cartouche-shaped rectangular form with heavily scrolled borders and chased foliate decoration and is raised on four scrolled feet. On the stand is a baluster-shaped candlestick on a hexagonal foot, swivelling on a pin above a semi-circular depression, and a pair of cut glass inkwells of tapering waisted hexagonal form with hinged silver-gilt covers, set in pierced openwork holders which are fixed to the stand. There are two long depressions in the stand for pens.
The stand is inscribed on one side: 'Presented BY THE RIVER DEE COMPANY to George Biddell Airy, Esqr F. R. S. ASTRONOMER ROYAL in grateful acknowledgment of HIS VERY VALUABLE SERVICES 1852' and on the other side 'Presented TO THE Royal Observatory, Greenwich by OSMUND AIRY ESQ LL.D 1913'. Osmund Airy was George Airy's son.
The stand is in a wooden carrying case with brass handles, lined with blue baize.
The presentation by the River Dee Company was for Airy's work on the River Dee Conservancy Bill.
The stand is of cartouche-shaped rectangular form with heavily scrolled borders and chased foliate decoration and is raised on four scrolled feet. On the stand is a baluster-shaped candlestick on a hexagonal foot, swivelling on a pin above a semi-circular depression, and a pair of cut glass inkwells of tapering waisted hexagonal form with hinged silver-gilt covers, set in pierced openwork holders which are fixed to the stand. There are two long depressions in the stand for pens.
The stand is inscribed on one side: 'Presented BY THE RIVER DEE COMPANY to George Biddell Airy, Esqr F. R. S. ASTRONOMER ROYAL in grateful acknowledgment of HIS VERY VALUABLE SERVICES 1852' and on the other side 'Presented TO THE Royal Observatory, Greenwich by OSMUND AIRY ESQ LL.D 1913'. Osmund Airy was George Airy's son.
The stand is in a wooden carrying case with brass handles, lined with blue baize.
The presentation by the River Dee Company was for Airy's work on the River Dee Conservancy Bill.
Object Details
| ID: | ZBA0773 |
|---|---|
| Collection: | Decorative art; Relics |
| Type: | Inkstand |
| Display location: | Not on display |
| Creator: | Edward Barnard & Sons Ltd |
| Date made: | 1845; 1845-1846 1845-46 |
| People: | Airy, George Biddell |
| Credit: | National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London |
| Measurements: | Overall: 178 x 267 x 394 mm |
| Parts: | Inkstand |