Penllergare Equatorial Observatory

Stuart Rice, General Manager, The Penllergare Trust

Tuesday 11th February 2025 7.30 pm in the BRLSI, Bath, and on Zoom

The image is a view of the observatory © Stuart Rice

John Dillwyn Llewelyn presented his daughter, Thereza, with an Observatory on her 16th birthday, helping spark a family interest in astronomy and astrophotography. This very observatory was used by the father-daughter duo to take one of the earliest photographs of the moon; John worked the camera and Thereza moved the telescope for a longer exposure time.

The family had connections with John Herschel whose interests included both astronomy and the chemistry of photography and William Henry Fox Talbot from nearby Lacock, the photography pioneer. In addition to early astrophotography, John Dillwyn Llewelyn’s pioneering photography included charming informal family groups.

The Penllergare Trust is now in the process of trying to restore the building and give it the opportunity to inspire future generations.

Stuart Rice will provide an overview of the family’s pioneering work in astrophotography and the Trust’s journey to restore the Observatory as a future planetarium.

Stuart Rice (General Manager, Penllergare Trust) has led the ambitious project to save, restore and safeguard the building for future generations.

Tickets (£6 or £3 for BRLSI or Herschel Society members and students, proceeds to the BRLSI) available here.