Barometers Realm

The black Victorian aneroid barometer, signed by Maple & Co, crafted by the renowned company Casella between 1860 and 1880, embodies the stern elegance of its era, expressed through stark contrasts and bold design choices. The carved body, crafted from solid oak and painted in a deep, matte black, seems to contain within it a hidden energy — a refined choice that highlights its departure from the convention of most barometers that aim to showcase the natural texture of wood. Here, the black coating serves as the perfect backdrop, subduing decorative elements and drawing attention to the contrast of forms and materials.

The dial, made of porcelain, impresses with its crackle finish — a delicate web of fine cracks, like time-worn wrinkles touched by patina, tells a story of decades gone by. This aging process not only adds a sense of nobility but also enhances the air of exclusivity, imbuing the piece with a barely perceptible hint of fragility, as if the very form is being eroded by time. Against this smooth, creamy background, the scale in London inches of mercury doesn’t just indicate values — it invites the eye to glide over graceful lines, bringing refined letters to life, written in an eclectic Victorian typeface. Its ornamental elements play on the contrast between the strictness of the serifs and the flowing curves, while swirls and fine dots imbue the text with an atmosphere of solemn importance.

But this barometer does not stop at conventions. Instead of the customary "Change", traditional for most weather instruments, it prominently features the words "Unsettled Weather", inscribed in capital letters, as if issuing a regal warning about the forces of nature lurking beneath its calm exterior. Each word seems to fight for the viewer’s attention, underscoring the eccentricity and uniqueness of this piece. In this distinctive choice, there is more than just a desire to alter terminology — it is a kind of challenge, a statement of creative independence and a focus on detail.

The legacy of Admiral Fitzroy has left its mark on the dial: his weather forecasting notes hold a special place, yet the master diverges from the canon by omitting wind directions, as if inviting the observer to trust their inner sense of impending change. The dial is protected by a flat glass with refined beveled edges, which, like a thin boundary between man and nature, prevents us from touching history directly.

Adding to this visual delight, the case features a mercury thermometer — an instrument crafted with delicate grace. Its tube rests on a porcelain base, surrounded by a gentle wooden frame, adding warmth and coziness to the barometer’s austere presence. A flat glass protects this fragile mechanism, leaving a transparent window into the past, where scientific precision blends with artistic elegance.

Thus, this barometer is not merely a tool for measuring pressure but a true work of art, occupying an important place in the history of decorative art. Its appearance, ornaments, and materials transport us to a world where each piece not only served a functional purpose but also sought to express the master’s pursuit of beauty and perfection of form.