Painting. [Astronomy] by Alfred Thomson, R.A., 1954. - Oil on canvas, 15 x 24ft [sight]. - Signed and dated on centre lower edge. - Commissioned by the Science Museum for its main entrance stairwell; top left corner is cut to follow shape of staircase. - Mural depicting the development of the telescope; Galileo is the central figure, with a group symbolising the disapproval of authority to the advancement of science. The 200-foot telescope of Mount Palomar is shown. Commission represents the conflict between pre-scientific and scientific attitudes to cosmology.