Local artist Oli Knowles will create a mural in Calne to honor Joseph Priestley, the scientist who discovered oxygen 250 years ago. The artwork will be completed by August, the anniversary of Priestley’s groundbreaking discovery, which he made while working as a librarian at Bowood House in Wiltshire on August 1, 1774.
Priestley, born on March 13, 1733, is recognized as one of the founders of modern chemistry due to his contributions to experimental science. In 1773, the Earl of Shelburne enlisted Priestley to serve as an intellectual companion, tutor to his children, and librarian at Bowood House, where Priestley 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, is behind the planned mural. This project will be the fifth mural in Calne and serves as a way to brighten up the town and keep it clean. Cath Crofts, a volunteer with the charity, expressed excitement about the positive responses they have received from painting the murals and how it sparks curiosity and leads to further discovery among the community.
