Barometer World
Encyclopedia
Barometer World was established in 1979 by Philip Collins
, is located in the village of Merton, near Great Torrington
, Devon
, UK and is the world's largest barometer
museum . Barometer World makes, sells and restores barometers of a variety of types.
The museum's curator is Philip Collins
. He started learning the craft of barometer repair in Bideford at the age of 19, and in 1979 established a company that is now the world's leading barometer specialists. He is a leading author on barometer books having written numerous books on barometers and restoration techniques. Mr Collins is the secretary of the British Barometer Makers Association and a Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society
.
which was shown at the Great Exhibition in 1851. It is a fully workable copy, although the museum rarely operates it on a regular basis.
is generally used for experimenting when the kiln is fired.
2000, Barometer World reconstructed Magdeburg Hemispheres
in a demonstration on Great Torrington common. The demonstration used 16 shires horses and 24 inch diameter hemispheres.
Philip Collins
Philip Collins is the founder and curator of Barometer World in Merton, Devon.He has been a non-aligned district Councillor for the Clinton Ward of Torridge District Council since 2001....
, is located in the village of Merton, near Great Torrington
Great Torrington
Great Torrington is a small market town in the north of Devon, England. Parts of it are sited on high ground with steep drops down to the River Torridge below...
, Devon
Devon
Devon is a large county in southwestern England. The county is sometimes referred to as Devonshire, although the term is rarely used inside the county itself as the county has never been officially "shired", it often indicates a traditional or historical context.The county shares borders with...
, UK and is the world's largest barometer
Barometer
A barometer is a scientific instrument used in meteorology to measure atmospheric pressure. Pressure tendency can forecast short term changes in the weather...
museum . Barometer World makes, sells and restores barometers of a variety of types.
History
In 1992 Barometer World moved from Shepherds Court to its current location of Quicksilver Barn. The building was opened by Peter Negretti in 1990; the current premises comprises a shop, workshop, and exhibition.The museum's curator is Philip Collins
Philip Collins
Philip Collins is the founder and curator of Barometer World in Merton, Devon.He has been a non-aligned district Councillor for the Clinton Ward of Torridge District Council since 2001....
. He started learning the craft of barometer repair in Bideford at the age of 19, and in 1979 established a company that is now the world's leading barometer specialists. He is a leading author on barometer books having written numerous books on barometers and restoration techniques. Mr Collins is the secretary of the British Barometer Makers Association and a Fellow of the Royal Meteorological Society
Royal Meteorological Society
The Royal Meteorological Society traces its origins back to 3 April 1850 when the British Meteorological Society was formed as a society the objects of which should be the advancement and extension of meteorological science by determining the laws of climate and of meteorological phenomena in general...
.
Banfield Family Collection
Between 1995 and 2005 Barometer World housed the Banfield Family Collection of barometers. The exhibition was of 350 barometers, mostly owned by Edwin Banfield, which were loaned to Barometer World for a 10 year period. The collection has subsequently been separated and sold.Current Exhibition
The current exhibition is a fascinating small display of different types of barometers and other weather instruments. The exhibition is usually open Tuesday to FridayTempest Prognosticator
The museum houses a full size replica of Merryweather's Tempest PrognosticatorTempest Prognosticator
The Tempest Prognosticator, also known as the Leech Barometer, is a 19th century invention by George Merryweather in which leeches are used in a barometer. The twelve leeches are kept in small bottles inside the device; when they become agitated by an approaching storm they attempt to climb out of...
which was shown at the Great Exhibition in 1851. It is a fully workable copy, although the museum rarely operates it on a regular basis.
Workshop
The museum has an on-site workshop where barometers can be made or repaired. However, since October 2009 the EU regulations resulting in the ban on using mercury, no new mercury barometers can be placed on the market. This has resulted in the workshop reducing it's output.Kiln
A replica glass kiln was made in 2001 as an experiment in 17th century glass production methods. It is currently located in the car park outside the entrance to the museum shop. The kiln was built to 17th century designs, with a double fire box and double drawing points. The structure is built of two walls of modern building bricks, the inner layer on top of a layer of firebricks. The gap between the layers is filled with vermiculite and the outside is coated with a layer of lime-based daub and painted. Temperatures achieved from wood firing only are around 1300 degrees Celsius. Lead glass cullet from the nearby Dartington CrystalDartington Crystal
Based in Torrington in north Devon, England, Dartington Crystal manufactures crystal glassware using traditional Swedish glass blowing techniques.-History:...
is generally used for experimenting when the kiln is fired.
Magdeburg Hemispheres
For National Science WeekNational Science Week
National Science Week refers to series of science-related events for the general public which are held in a specific countries during a designated week of the year...
2000, Barometer World reconstructed Magdeburg Hemispheres
Magdeburg hemispheres
The Magdeburg hemispheres are a pair of large copper hemispheres with mating rims. When the rims were sealed with grease and the air was pumped out, the sphere contained a vacuum and could not be pulled apart by teams of horses...
in a demonstration on Great Torrington common. The demonstration used 16 shires horses and 24 inch diameter hemispheres.