Royal Observatory at the Cape of Good Hope
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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
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
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
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
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
Sketch by C. Piazzi Smyth. Original in the possession of the Durban City Library.
Source: Warner – Astronomers