The Calne Clean Up Crew, a local charity, is honoring the scientist who discovered oxygen 250 years ago with a mural in Culne, Wiltshire. Joseph Priestley made the ground-breaking discovery while working as a librarian at Bowood House in 1774. The mural will be created by local artist Olly Knowles and is expected to be completed by the anniversary in August.
Born in 1733, Priestley is often considered one of the founders of modern chemistry because of his revolutionary experiments. He carried out his research at Bowood House, where he focused sunlight on mercuric oxide to discover the unique gas we now know as oxygen. This gas was later named “oxygen” by the French chemist Antoine Lavoisier. Priestley’s discoveries played a key role in advancing our understanding of gases.
The mural will depict the tools used in Priestley’s experiment and follow a scientific theme. Community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents appreciating efforts to beautify the town and spark curiosity about the city’s historical significance. The locals see this as an eternal memory of his contribution to science and hope that it will inspire future generations to pursue careers in science and technology.