Royal Observatory Greenwich Drawings and Paintings : Sketch of the Royal Observatory from the south-east side by Caroline Smith

Royal Observatory Greenwich Drawings and Paintings

<p style='text-align: justify;'>Pencil drawing showing the Royal Observatory Greenwich as viewed from the south-east side from the top of the gravel-pit, before the enclosure of the Magnetic Ground. The sketch is by Caroline Smith, the sister of George Airy's wife, Richarda Smith. It was drawn circa 1836 during Airy's early occupancy. An accompanying note by George Airy, dated 1869, describes the buildings and their use in more detail and the subsequent changes made <a href='/view/'> (RGO 116/4/3)</a>.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'> Two similar views of the Observatory, made by Caroline's sister, Elizabeth Smith, can be seen at <a href='/view/'> (RGO 116/3/2)</a> and <a href='/view/'> (RGO 116/3/13)</a>. The former image, dated 1838, was drawn soon after the Magnetic Ground was enclosed. The latter image, dated 1845, shows the later addition of the Altazimuth Dome (built in 1844).</p><p style='text-align: justify;'></p><p style='text-align: justify;'>This drawing matches the item listed by Airy at <a href='/view/MS-RGO-00116-00003-00016/3'> (RGO 116/3/16)</a> as 'A view of the South Side of the Observatory from the top of the gravel-pit, before the inclosure [sic] of the Magnetic Ground, by Miss Caroline Smith'.</p>