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Microscope Museum Collection of antique microscopes and other
scientific instruments |
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Microscope
124 (Negretti
& Zambra; c. 1870) Negretti & Zambra was
founded in 1850 by Enrico Angelo Ludovico (Henry) Negretti (born in Italy;
1818–1879) and Joseph Warren Zambra (born in Essex; 1822–1897) and traded
until the late 20th century. The firm produced scientific and optical
instruments and operated also a photographic studio based in London. They
would eventually be appointed opticians and scientific instrument makers to
Her Majesty Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and King Edward VII, the Royal
Observatory and the British Admiralty. In 1859 the firm produced a large
catalogue containing more than 2000 items and instruments, including
microscopes, and this range doubled a few years later. In this same year the
firm moved to a larger workshop at 1 Hatton Garden. They moved to 103 Hatton
Garden in 1867, and to 38 Holborn Viaduct, as well as premises in Cornhill
and Regent Street, in 1869. Henry Negretti becomes a leader of the Italian
community in London. In 1888, JW Zambra retires and MW Zambra joined his
brother JC Zambra and HPJ Negretti in the partnership. The firm’s 1908
catalogue included various types of instruments, including binoculars and
microscopes. During 1914 - 1918 the company performs much work for the
Ministry of Munitions during the 1st World War and develops
various innovations including early aviation instruments. In 1947 the firm
was listed as manufacturers of industrial, aeronautical and meteorological
instruments, and in 1948 the company becomes a Limited Company. In 1985 the
company was acquired by Meggitt Holdings. Microscope 124 contains the
inscription ‘Negretti & Zambra, London’ and can be dated to c. 1870. This
instrument should be an example of the firm’s microscope No. 2B (Figure 1).
Figure
1.
Negretti & Zambra’s microscope No. 2B as engraved in the firm’s catalogue
from the late 1800s. References Negretti
and Zambra (https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Negretti_and_Zambra), last accessed on
14.08.2020 LAST
EDITED: 19.09.2020 |
