Ground-shaking achievement - an exhibition about the pioneer seismologist John Milne FRS

Despite receiving global acclimation for his work, fellowship to the Royal Society, and the Order of the Rising Sun from the Emperor of Japan, the pioneer seismologist Professor John Milne FRS never gained the recognition he deserved among his fellow islanders. But now, finally, the life and work of this local hero are celebrated in a new exhibition at Carisbrooke Castle Museum from 12 March 2010.

Dr Mike Bishop curator of Carisbrooke Castle Museum said:

“The subject of earthquakes is at the forefront of our minds at the moment for tragic reasons, and although mankind has suffered their effects throughout history, it is only within the last 130 years that their study has become a science. The founding father of that science was John Milne, and it is timely to reflect upon his tremendous contributions to seismology which began in Japan and ended on the Isle of Wight. His legacy is global in its scope today.”

The exhibit and accompanying events are being supported by the Royal Society, the UK’s national academy of science, of which John Milne was a Fellow.  Between November 2009 and November 2010, the Royal Society is celebrating its 350th anniversary, with a series of events, exhibitions and publications to increase the profile of science and engagement with science among the public.  This exhibition is part of the Society’s Local Heroes programme, a nation-wide celebration of Royal Society Fellows at over 70 museums and galleries. 

Martin Rees, President of the Royal Society said, “In its anniversary year, the Royal Society is delighted to be working with Carisbrooke Castle Museum to celebrate Royal Society Fellow John Milne.  Our past Fellows share a remarkable role in history, advancing our understanding of the world around us in extraordinary ways.  They truly are the giants on whose shoulders we have stood and we hope that this exhibition will inspire renewed interest in science and help us all to See further.” 

Supplementing the Milne exhibition in the same gallery are exhibits on other notable people associated with the island, namely the museum’s founder Princess Beatrice; the 17th century scientist Robert Hooke; the artist John Nixon; the portrait silhouettist John Buncombe; the poet Alfred Lord Tennyson; and members of the Gough-Calthorpe family.  The museum has also set up a working seismometer to detect earthquakes, which is permanently sited in the lower gallery.

A study day on John Milne will be held on 16th October this year (advance booking is essential).  Special education sessions will be available for schools by appointment.