|
|
Microscope Museum Collection of antique microscopes and other
scientific instruments |
|
|
|
|
|
Microscope
51 (Negretti
& Zambra; c. 1860) 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 51 contains the inscription ‘Negretti & Zambra, 1 Hatton
Garden, London’ and can be dated to c. 1860. The microscope came with its
original wooden box and included also a live box, used for the observation of
wet or dry animals, a brass tweezer, and the base of a bullseye (but the lens
is missing). References Negretti and Zambra (https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Negretti_and_Zambra),
last accessed on 14.08.2020 LAST EDITED: 15.08.2020 |
