A small Victorian leather cased pocket compass, sold by W. E. Statham at the Royal Panopticon in Leicester Square, London c.1854. This compass is a very rare memento of a celebrated, though short lived, Victorian scientific entertainment venue - The Royal Panopticon of Science and Art. A paper label inside the case reads 'W. E. Statham, Chemist, Optician, Royal Panopticon, Leicester Square'. The compass can be accurately dated to between 1854 and 1856, as the Royal Panopticon opened in 1854 and closed in 1856. With a distinctive 19th century English blued needle with gilt North and South markers, a paper compass card, and a brass pivot. In its original, purple velvet lined, morocco leather covered case.
The Royal Panopticon of Science and Art was one of the grand social institutions and architectural splendours of Victorian London. It was given a Royal Charter in 1850 and building commenced in July 1851. The Royal Panopticon of Science and Art was built on the eastern side ofLeicester Square, opening on 18 March 1854. The Panopticon had a short and unsuccessful lifespan. It was intended to serve as an institute for scientific exhibitions and for promoting discoveries in the arts and manufacturing. For a shilling visitors could listen to scientific lectures, view chemistry experiments, receive electric shocks, or gaze at the illuminated fountain which rose as high as the roof. According to The Athenaeum the Royal Panopticon was the most "delightful lounge in London" with exhibitions, music, large fountains, interesting experiments and opportunities for shopping. The Panopticon had a frontage of 104 feet with a Moorish style out of character with the neighbourhood. Opened in 1854, it had limited financial success, closing in 1856, before reopening in 1857 as the Alhambra Music Hall.
William E. Statham (1816-1899) established W. E. Statham & Company in 1839, as 'wholesale perfumers', operating from 23 and 24 High Street, Newington Butts, London. The 1841 census listed Statham as a “druggist”, suggesting that by then he was already dealing in chemicals. Statham & Co. patented the “Economic Laboratory” on February 4, 1842, and by December of that year, he was advertising six different chemistry sets, ranging in price from 5 shilling 6 pence up to 5 guineas. He also began selling his book, Statham’s First Steps in Chemistry. Statham was one of the first people to produce boxed sets of chemicals and apparatus for the youth market. Starting with the chemistry set that he patented in 1842, Statham built a major scientific-entertainment business that lasted well into the twentieth century. His scientific apparatus won medals at the 1862 London and 1867 Paris International Exhibitions for “quality and cheapness”. Toward the end of the 1850s, Statham began selling microscopes and magnifiers, although he did not manufacture any of the microscopes that he sold. The vast majority of Statham’s microscopes, chemistry sets, and other items bear the address 111 Strand, which was his address from c.1861 onward. In 1867, the Polytechnic Institution, Regent Street was included along with 111 Strand. Stratham exhibited at the 1851 London Exposition at the Crystal Palace, and at the Royal Panopticon of Science and Art between 1854 and 1856.
Condition:
In very good, original condition, full working order, and finds North very well. There is some wear to the blued finish of the compass needle. The leather covered case is in very good condition, with some wear to the leather hinge and the velvet lining. The paper label inside the case is in good condition.
Dimensions: 50mm x 50mm x 15mm
