Porter Garden Telescope Reborn: Telescopes of Vermont Recreates a Garden Design Masterpiece

(Norwich, VT) – This summer Telescopes of Vermont commences production of the Porter Garden Telescope, a powerful scientific instrument and stunning bronze sculpture, lost to obscurity since its original release in the early 1920s. The original telescope is a highly elusive and coveted artifact and only a few are known to exist today, one of which is in the Smithsonian Institute. With the authorization of the Springfield Telescope Makers, the stewards of the Porter Garden Telescope, Telescopes of Vermont has faithfully recreated this sculptural masterpiece down to the subtlest detail. For more information, please visit www.GardenTelescopes.com or contact Russ Schleipman at 617-292-5155.

Originally designed by Russell Porter, the father of amateur astronomy in the United States and a designer of the 200-inch Hale Telescope at the Palomar Mountain Observatory, this unique instrument is the consummate marriage of art and science. Its appearance mimics the floral lines of a coiling ginger leaf, juxtaposed in precise and profound bronze statuary. Reflecting ethereal botanical elements and strong Art Nouveau influences, the Porter Garden Telescope was originally designed to grace formal gardens, but is also a unique addition to any landscape architecture, roof deck, terrace, ocean or mountain view home or any other setting.

A precise telescope, functional sundial and unique conversation piece, the Porter Garden Telescope is unmatched in beauty and function. Utilizing modern technology, the mechanisms have been improved to micro-accurate engineering, facilitating effortless mechanical movement of the dials and apparatuses. The telescope has also been enhanced with 21st century optical technology and is an elegant and precise instrument for observing the night sky and terrestrial objects alike.

Made of hand-finished cast bronze, the Porter Garden Telescope stands 35 inches high when aimed vertically. A stunning pedestal, made of Vermont Danby Imperial marble, compliments the telescope with traces of gold that accent the instrument’s warm bronze tones. The telescope can remain permanently outdoors as a garden sculpture, thanks to an easily removable optical assembly, and either age to a beautiful green patina or retain its original lush bronze finish with a bit of casual maintenance.

"Reintroducing the garden telescope to the world is really a labor of love," comments Russ Schleipman of Telescopes of Vermont. "I am thrilled to watch how profoundly moved people are when they see and operate this beautiful and functional telescope and rediscover the joys of stargazing or moon watching."

The Porter Garden Telescope is produced in a numbered, limited edition. Sure to turn the heads of amateur astronomers, landscape designers and antique collectors alike, this exquisite recreation is an instant classic and rekindles the lost art of formal garden landscape design.

About Telescopes of Vermont
Telescopes of Vermont, founded by Fred Schleipman, has lavishly and faithfully recreated the Porter Garden Telescope. Schleipman’s highly specialized team is made up of world class machinists, optical engineers, foundrymen and pattern makers. They create these superlative garden ornaments in their workshop, high on a hill in Norwich, Vermont.


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Editor’s Notes:
o Additional photos are available on request.
o Interviews with Russ Schleipman are encouraged and can be arranged.
o Additional background on request.