Cultural Collections Projects Program 2016 The University of Melbourne

The School of Physics Museum

Student/Volunteer Position Guide

Position Title: Collections Management – Conservation survey project, Cooke Refractor Telescope

Supervisor: Phil Lyons, Collection Manager - The School of Physics Museum Helen Arnoldi, Student Projects Coordinator, Cultural Collections

Position Goal: Under direction, the student/volunteer will research and survey the current status of the Cooke refractor telescope c. 1874 that is located in the observatory on the top of the David Caro Building (in which the School of Physics Museum is located). The information compiled in the report will be used to inform recommendations on its future management. Report information will also be incorporated into the museum’s database.

Background: The collection of The School of Physics Museum at the University of Melbourne comprises some 400 items of historical and scientific interest, concentrating on scientific apparatus constructed by former professors and staff for research purposes. It includes equipment and photographs spanning the history of the museum, which was established as the School of Natural Philosophy in the 1880s. There are significant holdings of ruling engines and diffraction gratings developed by H.J Grayson and Lyle in the School and the CSIRO as well as equipment used in the development of optical munitions during the Second World War.

The 4 ½“ Cooke refractor telescope has been used by undergraduate Physics astronomy students to observe sunspot activity, since the Physics building opened in 1974. The refractor first arrived in Australia 100 years earlier, and was made by the celebrated York scientific instrument and optics manufacturer Thomas Cooke & Son. An excerpt from the Tenth Report of the Board of Visitors to the Melbourne Observatory 1875 states ‘…a portable equatorial, of 4 ½ inches aperture, was received from Messrs Cooke and Son of York on the 16th of October 1874’. The refractor had been imported to the Melbourne Observatory specifically for the observation of the Transit of Venus a rare astronomical occurrence. The Transit of Venus on the 9th of December 1874 saw the world’s astronomy community collaborate in the observation of the event throughout the world. At this time, the Melbourne Observatory under the direction of the Government Astronomer Mr Robert Ellery had setup observation points across Victoria, with the 4 ½ Cooke Refractor being stationed near the Glenrowan railway station.

For more information on the Physics Museum’s collections visit their website at: http://www.ph.unimelb.edu.au/museum/

Responsibilities: In consultation with the collection manager, the student/volunteer will be required to first carry out an inventory on the Cooke Refractor Telescope and its associated hardware. This information will be added to the museum’s catalogue. They will then complete a detailed condition survey on

the telescope. It is anticipated that the report will investigate the telescope’s history and current status, and include recommendations on conservation issues and on its future management.

Qualifications: Ideally will have a basic understanding of collection management principles specific to the documentation of objects (progress towards the completion of a degree in Museum Studies/Conservation or similar would be suitable).

A knowledge of the correct procedures for the safe handling of museum objects is desirable as this position requires the handling and close inspection of these items.

An interest in historic scientific apparatus and physics would be beneficial.

A methodical, prudent approach and a keen eye for detail. Experience with museum databases would be desirable.

Training and Supervision: On-the-job training specific to the task will be provided.

Ongoing guidance from the Collection Manager on the direction of the project.

Occasional meetings with the Cultural Collections Projects Coordinator to review how the project is progressing and discuss any ideas or problems encountered.

Benefits: Opportunity to work at close hand with one of the University of Melbourne’s extensive cultural collections.

The opportunity for professional development through experience gained in collection management procedures and practice. Experience in the handling of museum objects.

Satisfaction gained from focusing on the Cooke refractor telescope and seeing it researched, documented and having a condition survey completed which will be used to inform future collection management decisions. Through this project you will help make The School of Physics Museum collection more accessible. The application of collection management principles to the University’s cultural collections is necessary to enhance our long term understanding, management and appreciation of the collections.

For more information on this position please contact: Helen Arnoldi, Cultural Collections Projects Coordinator Telephone: 8344 3103 Email [email protected]