Abraham Follett Osler (1808 to 1903)
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Carte de visite portrait of Abraham Follett Osler, pioneer in the measurement of meteorological and chronological data. To keep accurate local time, he built an astronomical clock outside the Birmingham Philosophical Institution in Canon Street. This was eventually synchronised by telegraph to Grenwich Mean Time. The clock transferred to the Birmingham and Midland Institute after the closing of the BPI in 1852.
In 1883 he donated clock and bells for 'Big Brum', located in the clock tower of the new art gallery. This replaced a wired network of clocks as the town's main time-piece.
He also managed the family's glass manufacturing company in Broad St which displayed the world's first glass fountain in the Great Exhibition of 1851 at Crystal Palace.
Osler was also a founder member of the National Education League.
Carte De Visite produced by H J Whitlock, 11 New Street, Birmingham.Most likely albumen print.
Typical dimensions - Print: 54mm x 89mm. Card: 64mm x 100mm
Location: [BA&H:Portraits/Birmingham/MUS-PAR]
