Gifted by John Barry to his sister, Mother Gonzaga Barry, this orrery travelled from Ireland to Loreto Abbey Mary's Mount, in 1887. Here it became a cherished tool, bringing the wonders of astronomy into the classroom.

With a turn of the hand crank, five brass planetary arms-Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn-orbit a gilt sun. The Earth and its moon rotate on a separate mechanism, demonstrating the dance of the cosmos.

Key Features:

• Five planetary arms with satellites

• Gilt sun, rotating Earth, and moon

• Hand-cranked, mahogany tripod base

• Crafted by Paterson & Son, Liverpool

A century ago this orrery ignited students' imaginations, opening their minds to the mystery of the