Lot Essay
John Russell b. circa 1745, d.1817, was originally a blacksmith like so many others in the scientific instrument and clockmaking trade. He settled in Falkirk in about 1770 in a shop opposite the top of Kirk Wynd. He was later appointed watchmaker to the Prince of Wales, later George IV.
Russell's barometers fall into two main types; his cistern tube barometers such as the present example and his so-called 'Royal' or wheel barometers for which he is perhaps better known. The unusual architectural design of his cistern tube barometers is aesthetically very pleasing. The unusual oval cistern cover is of just the right proportions to balance with the elongated 'hood' which the eye is cleverly drawn to by the fluted Corinthian column.
Russell's barometers fall into two main types; his cistern tube barometers such as the present example and his so-called 'Royal' or wheel barometers for which he is perhaps better known. The unusual architectural design of his cistern tube barometers is aesthetically very pleasing. The unusual oval cistern cover is of just the right proportions to balance with the elongated 'hood' which the eye is cleverly drawn to by the fluted Corinthian column.