On August 1, 1774, Joseph Priestley made a groundbreaking discovery that would change the course of modern chemistry. While working as a librarian at Bowood House in Wiltshire, he discovered oxygen by using a “burning lens” to focus sunlight on a sample of mercuric oxide in an inverted glass container placed in a pool of mercury.
To honor this historic discovery and mark the 250th anniversary of Priestley’s work, a mural will be created in Calne. The artwork will be created by local artist Oli Knowles and will depict the implements used in Priestley’s experiment. The project is being led by the Calne Clean Up Crew, a local charity that aims to brighten up the town and keep it clean through community engagement and volunteerism.
Priestley was born on March 13, 1733, and is recognized as one of the founders of modern chemistry due to his contributions to experimental science. In 1773, the Earl of Shelburne enlisted him to serve as an intellectual companion, tutor to his children, and librarian at Bowood House, where he conducted his scientific experiments. The mural will not only serve as a tribute to Priestley’s groundbreaking discovery but also inspire future generations of scientists and explorers in the field of chemistry.
