JOHN RUSSELL, FALKIRK, CIRCA 1800

Originally a blacksmith, John Russell (c.1745-1817) settled in Falkirk in around 1770. Russell rose to such prominence through the high quality of his work that he was appointed 'Watchmaker to the Prince of Wales' and later, George IV when his title was changed to 'Watchmaker to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent'. Russell is known for making two distinctive types of barometer, the wheel barometer, of which he gave two to George III and the Prince of Wales, later George IV, and the stick barometer such as the present example. The form of this barometer with its unusual Corinthian column protecting the tube, the rich mahogany veneers and the high quality engraving of the plates shows Russell's attention to detail. Few other barometers ofthe early 19th Century could match the level of accuracy attained by Russell's designs. A comparable stick barometer is illustrated in N. Goodison, English Barometers 1680-1860, London, 1977, p.229, pl. 157 & p. 230, pl. 158.