The History of Science Museum in Oxford (HSM) holds the largest and finest collection of Islamic astronomical instruments in the world, yet their provenance and means of acquisition are largely unknown. The Museum is seeking to appoint a Research Fellow to investigate the provenance, means of procurement, and channels of importation of the Museum’s founding collection. The postholder will carry out research at the HSM archives in Oxford, the archives at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, the National Archives in London, the British Museum’s archive, and the Archives de Paris. All travel expenses will be covered.
The potholder will work to establish the provenance and modes of acquisition of the HSM’s founding collection from the Islamic world, particularly connections to slavery and colonial exploitation. Research findings into the colonial context of the founding collection will shape display and interpretation as HSM embarks on a major transformation project tied to its 2024 centenary.
For further details, and to apply for the post, please see:
https://my.corehr.com/pls/uoxrecruit/158286
