Thursday, May 31, 2018

A Forgotten Museum in Glasgow Linked to what is now the University of Strathclyde

I am creating this post using a Twitter thread from earlier today by @OssianLore.  The thread provides some interesting history for the progression of institutions that led to what is now the University of Strathclyde.  It also provided me with the opportunity to try out an app for rolling up a Twitter thread.

Glasgow's forgotten Andersonian Museum, George Street 1831. The museum was established in 1796 from the nucleus of the personal collection of John Anderson, Professor of Oriental Languages and of Natural Philosophy at the University of Glasgow.
Anderson bequeathed money for the foundation of a new university dedicated to teaching practical & industrial subjects, thus Anderson's University was founded along with its museum. The university had several homes, including a former meat market, before settling in George Street
The Andersonian Museum finally closed in 1904 with demolition of the old building to make way for its grand replacement. After several amalgamations the university became the Royal Technical College and subsequently went on to become the University of Strathclyde.
Although John Anderson's name no longer lives on in his university or museum, he is remembered for having inspired James Watt (who was employed at the University of Glasgow to repair & fabricate scientific instruments) after presenting him with a model Newcomen engine for repair.

No comments:

Post a Comment