Dr Richard van der Riet Woolley

Places
Accession Number ART21391
Collection type Art
Measurement sheet: 60.6 x 43.4 cm; Image: 60.6 x 43.4 cm
Object type Work on paper
Physical description lithographic crayon on paper
Maker Curtis, R Emerson
Place made Australia: Australian Capital Territory, Canberra
Date made 1945
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Copyright

Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain

Public Domain Mark This item is in the Public Domain

Description

Dr Richard van de Riet Woolley, Commonwealth Astronomer, member Commonwealth Optical Munitions panel, Chief Executive Army Inventions Directorate, Department of the Army, making observations from the Commonwealth Solar Observatory, Mount Stromlo, Canberra. Under the direction of Dr Woolley during the early years of the war, a Munitions Annexe was established at Mount Stromlo for the production of prisms and optical lenses. After many experiments and work with other scientists and technicians with over-seas experience in optical glass manufacture, a new and highly successful Australian industry was created. In addition to supplying the needs of the Australian Services for prisms and lenses, a quota was also supplied to the American Forces.