A major project to overhaul the Sydney Observatory?s 11.5" Schroeder Telescope has been recently completed. It coincides with the 150th anniversary of the Observatory in 2009. The key aim was to return the telescope to its 1880s appearance and configuration. New operational and maintenance plans have also been developed.

The telescope has been well maintained as an operating instrument of the Sydney Observatory. It was painted the same colour grey as the other operating instruments at the Observatory during the 1960?s and 70?s. The telescope is now classified as one of the museum?s A category objects used to demonstrate observing technology of the 1880?s.

The project started in April 2009, when the main lens, earpiece, focusing assembly, the sighting scope and the other brass components were dismantled and brought back to the Museum?s conservation workshop.

The Telescope was reassembled and on display for Sydney Observatories 150th Anniversary in June 2008 and is again part of the Observatory's public viewings and programs.

Please click through the images above to see the progress.

Image 1 - The Hugo Schroeder Telescope in the South Dome at Sydney Observatory

Image 2 - The telescope with it's 1960's grey paint job.

Image 3 - Conservators Tim Morris and Carey Ward dismantling the telescope.

Image 4 - The optics and the telescope drive being carefully dismantled and realigned.

Image 5 - Damaged lacquer and components were removed from brass components which were then treated for chlorides and coated with a clear protective lacquer. This is the main lens.

Image 6 - The new eye piece

Image 7 - Original areas of paint were identified, samples taken, colour matched and documented. The tube and pillar were then painted in their original colours (Bristol Green and Monarch Red) in a readily available paint system which can be easily obtained.

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