Orrery planetary model probably Thomas Wright, 1740-1747

Large orrery with twelve sided mahogany base and armillary bands showing six planets out to Saturn. Unsigned by the maker but probaby made by T. Wright or B.Cole, mid 18th century. Small plate indicates that it was repaired by Nairne & Blunt in 1790.

Dated to the mid-eighteenth century, this large planetary model is thought to be by the London instrument maker Thomas Wright. Known as an orrery or planetarium, it is a demonstration model to show the motions of the Earth, Moon and planets around the Sun. This example has a twelve-sided mahogany base with brass armillary bands and six planets out to Saturn. Such devices became popular during seventeenth century especially after Sir Isaac Newton published his universal theory of gravity. To reproduce the motions of the solar system the model employs a hand crank to drive gear wheels. This particular orrery was originally acquired by Hackney College, London for teaching astronomical principles.