H.N. Rose
H.N. Rose is a Dutch family-owned company with over a century of history, spanning four generations specializing in the production, repair, and restoration of barometers, thermometers, and clocks. Members of the Rose family possess a high level of expertise in glassblowing—a skill passed down through generations within the framework of artisanal tradition.
Around 1890, Wilhelm Rose laid the foundation for what would become the family enterprise. His son, Hermann-Niels Rose, established his own workshop in Ilmenau in 1926, which he handed over to his son Günther in 1951. In 1953, Günther Rose relocated first to Wertheim, Germany, and a few years later moved the business to the Netherlands.
In the Dutch city of Schiedam, the family tradition continued into the 21st century with Andreas Rose, the last owner of the company. He served a broad clientele, producing and restoring mercury barometers and clocks using traditional craftsmanship. The firm’s clients included opticians, jewelers, clock specialists, antique dealers, and collectors. Notably, the company was the supplier and restorer for the former Barometer Museum of Bert Bolle in Maartensdijk. Under the brand name Roselli, they produced high-quality reproductions of antique models as well as original barometers of their own design.
Four generations of the Rose family devoted themselves to the art of glassblowing, starting with the manufacture of thermometers and glass measuring instruments for industry, laboratories, and maritime applications. Their workshop, located in the picturesque historic center of Schiedam, housed not only the largest collection of barometers in Europe but also an in-house glassblowing studio where visitors could observe the craft firsthand.
Over time, H.N. Rose focused on producing high-quality barometers for private clients, becoming a respected authority in the Netherlands. The company offered both new and antique barometers, as well as clocks and related instruments. It also provided expert repair and restoration services, remaining one of the few firms in the country with such specialized knowledge. Visitors to the showroom could explore not only a rich collection but also gain insight into the history and craftsmanship of barometer-making.
In 2024, after 66 years of operation in the Netherlands, H.N. Rose announced its closure, marking the end of an era. As a result, the barometers produced under their name have significantly increased in value, becoming rare and highly sought-after antiques. Collectors and enthusiasts around the world now recognize these instruments as outstanding examples of precision, artistry, and historical significance.
