Sculpture

Originally called the New Physical Observatory this cruciform building was added to the Royal Observatory complex by the 8th Astronomer Royal, Sir William H. M. Christie.  Its purpose was as a storehouse or museum for all the moveable instruments, clocks and other apparatus which were not in current use, the Lassell telescope and dome in particular. Built 1891-9, architect William Crisp, it is, of course, now available for corporate events.

The name panels are above the windows on the same level, all the way around this free-standing building. The floor levels in relation to the ground are a bit odd and change as one goes round so we aren't too sure how to describe it, possibly "raised ground floor". We've listed them anti-clockwise starting at the main entrance to the building, on the north face.

The 4 ornate featured entities: the Flamsteed bust, the Royal Society coat of arms, Queen Victoria's royal standard and the Royal Astronomical Society cartouche, are each on the central high pediment of one of the 4 wings of the building.

The terracotta tiles and decorative sculpture are the work of Doulton & Co, of Lambeth. There is some sculptural work signed with  W. J. Neatby's initials but we don't think that applies to anything that we have photographed.

Royal Observatory Greenwich is a great resource concerning the building and these name panels.