Museum of Victorian Science
Museum In Whitby, North Yorkshire
An astonishing experience where your hosts give you knowledge, entertainment and demonstrations of Victorian Science. To boot it is on the scenic North Yorkshire Moors at Glaisdale.
On a dull day, we had a rare treat in the North Yorkshire Moors National Park.We went to the Museum of Victorian Science, which is an electrifying experience.
Our hosts, Anthony and Patricia, were full of energy. Firstly, they inquired into our backgrounds and interests, then the next 2 hours and more were wired to our taste.
First stop, we were taken into Tony's science laboratory and firmly placed in our terminals, so that we were at a safe distance. Tony is a bright spark and shares his knowledge and interest in a wide range of science subjects, especially electrical discoveries. He demonstrates with good humour.
The enclaved arches and shelving style were fashioned after the laboratory of Christopher Lee from the film “I Monster”. All this gives the apartment a distinctly Victorian feel. In fact, the nearest thing you will get to Dr Frankenstein's laboratory anywhere (maybe everywhere!).
Anthony Swift
There were so many highlights, here are just a few:
'Aurora' in a 'test tube' demonstrates Sir Joseph Jon Thomson's (1856 to 1940) discovery of the electrons.
There is the phenomenon of fluorescence, which was discovered by Sir George Stokes (1819 to 1903) in 1852.
Anthony had been asked 'What's your favourite experiment? Here is his reply
The Thomson tube because it's the tool J J Thomson used in 1897 to identify the electron, the first sub-atomic particle to be identified. He showed cathode rays are made up of electrons - the negatively charged particles of an atom. He determined that electrons are in all atoms of all elements. I get to experience what it was like to make one of the greatest contributions to modern science, it's a real high.
Factorylux/Urban Cottage Industries
The history and making of X-rays was enlightening. Can you imagine what went through people's minds when they saw an image for the first time?
The demonstration about uranium glass was illuminating; watch out for the spider and a lucky ducky.
Tony talks about the dark side of using chemicals and the use of radium is jaw-dropping!
We were shown several delightful curios. Sometimes you may think watt an earth is Tony doing? Essentially, some demonstrations will not work unless the equipment is grounded and protected.
Tony's current project is working on radio equipment, the forerunner to the telephone, as seen above.
The museum gives visitors the opportunity to see how the Victorians developed scientific knowledge and understanding. Many of the discoveries were made by accident and 19th century physics is the foundation of all modern science. The breakthroughs and accomplishments of today would not be possible without the astonishing and sometimes bizarre experiments that took place in the Victorian era.
Factorylux/Urban Cottage Industries
The demonstration of the hailstorm with lightning is Tony's own invention and the hail is wrapped polystyrene in foil, which took four minutes to make each one.
I asked, “What has been the most satisfying piece of equipment that is used in your demonstrations that you have repaired?” Tony replied
"Probably the Wimshurst Machine, It looks so Victorian, and it works wonders for
static electricity demonstrations."
The laboratory is an intimate space, and looking around, there is so much to pique curiosity. One item was measuring humidity, which Tony told us is:
"The hygrometer. It affects all static work and after 60% humidity static equipment begins to falter and "Misbehave" and lets me down."
We had no resistance during the refreshment break. Patricia serves a wonderful 'High Tea' with fine bone china, and a beautiful cake stand. The conversation flowed, and we were positively charged, ready for the second half.
The "Big Bertha" gun (or in our case "Baby Bertha") fires off its shell up to the rafters in the form of a 20mm polystyrene ball, then floats to the floor, where it is a must to be retrieved without getting squashed in the semi-darkness.
Anthony Swfit
We have a grand finale of all things DrFrankenstein, and we were treated to an awesome display of power, whizzes, sparks, and pops. There are arcs and plasma, the Tesla coil, and Jacob's Ladder. Our host also has the capacity for entertaining theatrics.
Be sure to ask what the smell is at the end. Here's a clue - The chemical equation is O3.
Tony gave many insights and permission to use his action photos, which we are most appreciative.
There is a maximum of 4 people, and it is tailor-made for your group. I absolutely recommend a visit, and it can be booked via telephone on their website.
I asked Tony if the Dodo weather vane at the entrance was a metaphor for this museum.
"No, but I just wanted something original, so I cut out a tin one and put it on the weather vane!"
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How To Find Museum of Victorian Science
Where Is Museum of Victorian Science?
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54.439238, -0.794563
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Where To Park For Museum of Victorian Science?
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54.438241, -0.79549
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Parking nearby at the Arncliffe Arms.
Contributed by Rosalind Parker
Thank you for reading. I hope it sparks your interest. It’s always a pleasure to get out and explore, whatever the weather. I enjoy uncovering little snippets of information, especially when they’re obscure, amusing, or meaningful. All photos were taken on a mobile phone.
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