Francis Galton's home

Sir Francis Galton lived in this house in London (42 Rutland Gate) for fifty years. A very simple metal plaque on the external wall states: "SIR FRANCIS GALTON / 1822 - 1911 / EXPLORER STATISTICIAN / FOUNDER OF EUGENICS / LIVED HERE FOR FIFTY YEARS".

When, in 1857 (three years after his marriage with Louisa Butler), he bought this house "partly furnished, Galton carefully designed additional furniture, but his interest reflected his practicality rather than his aestheticism. For example, the lavatory was situated on the half-landing, and he had one of the wooden door panels replaced by frosted glass and fixed a vertical rod to the bolt. This rod could be seen from the bottom of the stairs when the lavatory was occupied and the bolt across, thus obviating a futile climb and the disturbance of the occupant"1.

  • Photos by ti.supmacinu|ihgrob.l#ihgroB acuL (July 2011)


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