The vast majority of English table globes are accommodated in what might be called a cradle stand: this is formed by the horizon ring four turned legs and a pair of cross-stretchers which unite to hold the lower pivoting point of the globe. A much rarer but infinitely more elegant solution is to house the ball in a foreshortened version of the library globe stand.

On display here is a superb specimen of the latter type, carved from dark Cuban mahogany. The globe itself bears the cartouche:

‘WRIGHTS New improved CELESTIAL GLOBE On which the Stars are correctly Laid down from the Observations of Dr HALLEY, Dr BRADLEY & Co. Made and sold by Wm.Bardin, No.4, Hind Court, Fleet Street, London’

The constellations are depicted by mythical beasts, figures and scientific instruments, labelled in Latin, and the original delicate hand-colouring of the engraved images is still in good, unfaded condition