11 Professors' Square: home of Lord Kelvin
When the University of Glasgow moved into its current buildings at Gilmorehill in November 1870, the Old College's 12 professors and the Principal, who had residences at the premises in High Street, found 13 fine houses to accommodate them. The houses enclose the most western part of the Gilmorehill campus, forming Professors’ Square. House No 11 became the new home of Lord Kelvin. At first he lived here as a widower as his wife, Margaret Crum, had died in June 1870. In 1874 Kelvin married his second wife, Francis Anna Blandy, and set up a household adequate for his position.
The hospitable couple entertained many colleagues and friends from the world of science, occasions which were reportedly always delightful. Kelvin's students were also regular guests at No 11 and sometimes, under their teacher's influence, they would find the soirees degenerating into vociferous scientific or political debates.
The clock
The fascinating clock from 1876, which is still to be seen in the entrance of the building, is a remnant of research carried out in the Old College. It was intended to drive a telescope so it only needed a small dial calibrated in seconds. This prototype clock incorporated a centrifugal governor made in 1868, resulting in the nearest-ever attempt at producing a free pendulum clock; the Holy Grail of clockmakers. A better system was not devised until 1921.
The massive drive weights in the basement needed winding up every day, which was an extra task for the domestic staff. It is said that in order to convince his wife of the clock’s suitability for the house, the scientist had to add a second, much larger dial, as well as minute and hour hands.
The Hunterian Museum
This permanent display in the Hunterian Museum is dedicated to the life and work of William Thomson, or Baron Kelvin (1824–1907), Glasgow's most celebrated scientist. ‘Lord Kelvin: Revolutionary Scientist’ uses The Hunterian's world-famous collection of original scientific instruments and historical items to bring his story to life.
Kelvin was a pioneer of Victorian science whose contributions to thermodynamics, navigation, telegraphy and the advancement of laboratory physics teaching were considerable. The display reveals how solving problems in physics nearly 200 years ago led to practical inventions which are still used today.
Discover how Lord Kelvin influenced the way science is taught through his pioneering demonstration methods, how his instruments such as the binnacle compass improved safety at sea and how his work on the transatlantic telegraph project paved the way for modern global communication.
‘Lord Kelvin: Revolutionary Scientist’ is located on the balcony level of the Hunterian Museum main hall.
Hunterian Museum: Open Tue–Sun, 10am–5pm, Free entry
The Kelvin Binnacle Compass at the Hunterian Museum
University Library
William Thomson’s connection with the University spanned more than seventy years and this relationship is highlighted in the unique and distinctive Library Collections on campus, open to all.
The University Library holds a substantial collection of Kelvin’s correspondence, encompassing personal letters with family members and correspondence with some of the leading scientific figures of the age, including Faraday, Joule and Tait. Also available to researchers are the papers of the Thomson family, Kelvin’s personal library (including a substantial collection of his own scientific publications and those of his peers) and records that shed light on his business affairs, including the transatlantic telegraph project.
Unique records held in the University’s archive illustrate the various roles Thomson played in University affairs, as student, academic and Chancellor. These include his matriculation entry as a ten-year-old in 1834, detailed records of the Department of Natural Philosophy (of which he was chair for 53 years) and material that celebrates his achievements and legacy.
These collections are open to all and can be viewed by making an appointment with Archives & Special Collections
Archives & Special Collections
A new display which highlights some of the Natural Philosophy records is also located on level 12 of the Library until September 2024. This can be viewed during Archives & Special Collections opening hours: typically Monday - Friday, 9:30am - 4:30pm; and can be accessed by buzzer entry.
