Microscope Museum

Collection of antique microscopes and other scientific instruments

 

    

Microscope 469 (Maw, Son & Thompson; School of Arts type microscope; c. 1880)

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The Maw’s firm had its origins with George Maw, who, in 1807 started a partnership with his wife’s cousin Hornby in Fenchurch Street. In 1814, George purchased the business of a surgical instrument maker in Whitecross Street. In 1825, he moved to 56 Aldersgate Street, and his sons John Hornby and Solomon joined the company. George retired in 1829 and the firm moved again in 1834 to 11 Aldersgate Street, under the leadership of his son Solomon. Solomon’s son Charles joined the company in 1860, and the firm became S. Maw and Son. Sometime in the 1870s, the firm became S. Maw, Son & Thompson. In the very early 1900s, John Thomson retired, and the firm was renamed to S Maw, Son & Sons. In 1940, the firm was again renamed to Maws Pharmacy Supplies Limited, and moved to Monken Hadley, Barnet, England. Microscope 469 contains the inscription ‘MAW. SON & THOMPSON, Aldersgate Street, LONDON’ and can be dated to c. 1880. This instrument should be a version of the firm’s School of Arts pattern-type microscope (Figure 1).

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Figure 1. Maw’s School of Arts pattern-type microscope as engraved in a 1882 catalogue of the firm.

 

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