Joseph Priestley, the scientist who made the groundbreaking discovery of oxygen 250 years ago, will be honored with a mural in Calne to mark the anniversary of his breakthrough. The artwork, created by local artist Oli Knowles, will depict the implements used in Priestley’s historic experiment.
Priestley was born on March 13, 1733 and is recognized as one of the founders of modern chemistry due to his contributions to experimental science. In 1773, he was enlisted by the Earl of Shelburne as an intellectual companion, tutor to his children and librarian at Bowood House in Wiltshire where he conducted his scientific experiments. Using a “burning lens,” he focused sunlight on a sample of mercuric oxide in an inverted glass container placed in a pool of mercury which resulted in the discovery of oxygen.
The Calne Clean Up Crew, a local charity behind the project, expressed excitement about how painting murals has sparked curiosity and led to further discovery among the community. This is their fifth mural and they hope it will brighten up the town and keep it clean. The mural is set to start in June and be completed by August to coincide with Priestley’s anniversary.
