Mathematical instrument maker
Elias Allen
Also recorded as: Allen, Elias
Leading London instrument maker of the early 17th century, maker of sundials and calculating instruments.
Working near St Clement Danes in the Strand, Elias Allen made sundials, quadrants, sectors and the 'circles of proportion' designed by William Oughtred, an early slide rule. He supplied instruments to Charles I and was a founder of the Clockmakers' Company in 1631.
- Country
- England
- City / centre
- London
- Life / active
- c. 1588–1653
- Status
- Historical individual
- Key people
- Elias Allen
Innovations & specialities
- Oughtred's circles of proportion
- Engraved brass sundials and quadrants
Works by Elias Allen in the catalogue
Open in the catalogue →
Instruments · 1607-1653
Sundial by Allen, Elias, England, 1607-1653
Science Museum Group, London
Instruments · 1625-1635
A very high quality horizontal sundial, set out to show individual minutes and signed ‘Elias Allen fecit’. London, c.1630
Science Museum Group, London
Instruments · 1630-1653
Sundial by Allen, Elias, England, 1630-1653
Science Museum Group, London
Linked through the Atlas maker authority list, which reconciles the spellings used by different institutions. Attributions are as stated by each holding institution or auction house.
