In about 1886, Charles Parsons developed a cheap
method to make searchlights and continued the business during his
lifetime. In 1921, he bought Derby Glassworks and made major improvements
in the manufacture of optical glass. In 1925, he bought Sir Howard
Grubb's Company and engaged in the astronomical telescope business.
His prototype light weight honey-comb optical mirrors fore-shadowed
present astronomical needs. The telescope images below are from
a sales brochure printed by the company in 1947.
