The Meridian
A private archive of antiques and historical objects.
Objects acquired, studied, and documented. Each one a fixed point on the long line from the first tools to the present day.
Browse the collectionWhy I collect
Objects do not explain themselves. Each one arrived from another time, passed through hands I cannot count, survived neglect or care or accident. I collect not to possess but to understand: what people made, why, and how long it lasted.About this archive
The collection
Selected objects
All objectsHermes Media Portable Typewriter
A Swiss portable typewriter by Paillard S.A., manufactured circa 1939 to 1945, retailed through Taylor's Typewriter Co. of 74 Chancery Lane, London. Complete with its original matching metal carrying case and instruction booklet. Serial number 2018220. Extended professional keyboard with dedicated fraction keys.
"Descrittione dell'Isola Taprobana" Map
An original sixteenth-century copperplate map leaf by Tomaso Porcacchi from L'isole piu famose del mondo, printed in Venice c.1590. Depicts Taprobana (the ancient name for Ceylon, now Sri Lanka) with the full Italian geographical essay on the verso. Engraved by Girolamo Porro. Conservation framed under Artglass AR 99 UV-protective glass to ISO 18902 archival standard.
Pietas Quotidiana — Prayers & Meditations (Pocket Book, c.1826–1840)
A small Georgian/early Victorian pocket devotional book bound in full dark leather with gilt borders and fully gilded page edges. Titled Pietas Quotidiana: Prayers and Meditations for Every Day in the Week. Co-published in London c.1826–1840 by Peacock & Mansfield, Bowdery & Kerby, and Charles Tilt. Frontispiece engraved by C. Davenport after Henry Corbould.
The archive grows slowly, by design. New objects are added as they find their way here.
Read about this collection