The Collection

To coincide with Visions of the Universe, the Compass Lounge will display a hidden gem from the Museum’s collection: a rarely-seen map of the Moon, hand-drawn in 1952 by the engineer and amateur astronomer Hugh Percival Wilkins (1896–1960). Combining artistry with scientific precision, Wilkins’ detailed map reveals the rugged terrain of our celestial neighbour. Maps like these were used in the 1960s to select the landing sites for NASA’s Apollo missions.

The display will highlight the intricate detail in Wilkins’ drawings and give visitors the chance to walk across an image of the Moon on the Compass Lounge floor.

An astronomical board game, folded into cardboard slip case, entitled 'Science in Sport, or the Pleasures of Astronomy; A New & Instructive Pastime. Revised & approved by Mrs. Bryan; Blackheath', 'Published, December 17th 1804, by the Proprietor, John Wallis, No. 16, Ludgate Street, London:____ of whom may be had Science…