Calne celebrates 250 years since the discovery of oxygen

A community hosted an event to honor the 250th anniversary of the discovery of oxygen.

Joseph Priestley made the breakthrough while working as a librarian at Bowood House in Calne, Wiltshire, in 1774.

To mark the occasion, Lord Kerry of Bowood House unveiled a quilt on Saturday, each patch handmade by the town’s residents.

More than 100 people were involved in the creation of the community quilt, ranging in age from 11 to 91.

Lord Kerry, who cut the ribbon to unveil the “stunning” masterpiece, said it was an “honour” to see the community’s hard work come together.

“Your passion for the achievements and legacy of Joseph Priestley is an inspiration,” he said.

The day of celebrations was organized by the Priestley 250 Steering Group, with funding from the Arts Council, Royal Society of Chemistry, Fulmer Trust and local councils.

Steering Group chairman John Boaler said the community effort showed “a real sense of pride in the achievements and legacy” of one of the city’s most famous residents.

The quilt, now on display at Calne library, is a tribute to science and discovery.

It features elements on the periodic table, instruments used in Priestley’s experiment, and images showing how valuable oxygen is to all living things.

Calne Community Quilt Project co-ordinator Sue Peskett said the commemorative artwork will serve as “a symbol of Calne’s identity as a city of discovery”.