Local artist Oli Knowles will be commissioned to create a mural in Calne, England to honor Joseph Priestley, the scientist who made the groundbreaking discovery of oxygen 250 years ago. Born on March 13, 1733, Priestley is considered one of the founders of modern chemistry due to his contributions to experimental science. In 1773, he was enlisted by the Earl of Shelburne to serve as an intellectual companion and librarian at Bowood House in Wiltshire, where he conducted his scientific experiments using a “burning lens.” By focusing sunlight on a sample of mercuric oxide in an inverted glass container placed in a pool of mercury, Priestley discovered oxygen.
The Calne Clean Up Crew, a local charity, is behind the planned mural project which will depict the implements used in Priestley’s historic experiment. This will be the fifth mural created by the charity and aims to brighten up the town and keep it clean. Cath Crofts from Calne Clean Up Crew expressed excitement about how painting murals sparks curiosity among members of the community and leads to further discoveries. The artwork is set to begin in June and be completed by August 1st, marking exactly 250 years since Priestley’s monumental discovery.
