John Lancashire
John graduated in Mathematics from Bristol University, where he studied general relativity and quantum mechanics in his final year. Torn between an academic career or a life in business he chose the latter, although he always retained his enthusiasm for science and mathematics.
He spent many years working in IT for international companies as a software designer, risk manager and programme director. He retired 3 years ago.
His interest in the Antikythera Mechanism was sparked back in 2006 and he has been following the developments and research ever since.
In his project to create a modern reconstruction of the machine he's bult on his expertise in computer aided design and learnt much about modern manufacturing and prototyping techniques.
He believes the Mechanism is a fascinating instrument which still has relevance and value today. Although a small number of bronze reconstructions of the Mechanism have been built by researchers, these are all now sitting in glass cases in museums. People cannot see the engineering inside or explore the functionality of the machine. Hence his aim has been to bring the Mechanism to life by creating a version using modern materials which can be reproduced in small numbers. He would like people to be able to "get inside" the mechanism, understand how it works and actually use it in real life.
Date | Talk at GAS meeting |
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7 Feb 2019 | The Antikythera Mechanism UNDER THE HOOD OF THE ANTIKYTHERA MECHANISM To see the handout from John's presentation here [PDF: 432Kb, Members only]. |