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ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
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Observatory at the Cape of Good Hope Photo Gallery: Early Years |
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Return to Cape Observatory main page. Photo Gallery: |
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View of the main entrance of the Observatory (frontal
view, facing South), circa 1830. Building operations commenced in 1825,
overseen by John Skirrow. The front of the building is dominated by
an accurate reconstruction of the facade of a Greek temple with four
Doric columns. Unknown Artist. Original in the possession of the Library
of Parliament.
Source: Warner - Astronomers |
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View from the North East showing the back of the building,
circa 1830. The site chosen by Fallows was known as Slangkop (Snake
Hill) at the confluence between the Black and Liesbeek rivers. The slopes
of devil peak are at far left of the drawing and Blaauwberg behind the
horse and rider. Unknown Artist. Original in the possession of the Library
of Parliament.
Source: Warner - Astronomers |
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View of the Observatory from the Cape Flats. The view
is from the North-East, showing the newly completed porches over the
Northern doors of the main building. To the North-East (right foreground)
is the stable built by Captain Ronald. To the left of the main building
are the Transit meridian pillar (due South of main building), a low
edifice which is probably the fence around Fallows's grave and a flagpole.
(This sketch was made during the short period when Henderson was director)
Beyond the flagpole is an unidentified building. Sketch made on 17 May
1833 by Charles D'Oyly (detail) Original in the possession of the Cape
Archives.
Source: Warner - Astronomers |
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When Maclear took over as director the terrain was
still undeveloped as all attention was given to the buildings. With
Lions head in the background, the flagpole is seen, the Transit meridian
pillar and the wooden picker fence erected from desecrating Fallows's
grave. Pencil sketch by Thomas Bowler c.1834. Original in the possession
of the S.A.A.O.
Source: Warner - Astronomers |
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View from north-east showing the 1820 Settler hut to the north-west
of the main building. One of the newly completed water-closets can be
seen to the inner side of the West Wing. Pencil sketch by Thomas Bowler
c.1834. Original in the possession of the S.A.A.O. Source: Warner - Astronomers |
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Sketch by C. Piazzi Smyth. Original in the possession of the Durban City Library. Source: Warner - Astronomers |
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Director Historical Section: Chris de Coning - siriusa@absamail.co.za Webmaster: Christian Hettlage - webmaster@assa.saao.ac.za |