Russell's Selenographia, or moon globe. © Museum of the History of Science

Oxford’s Museum of the History of Science is running a special exhibition by two artists linked by their passion for representing the moon but separated by some 200 years.

Moonscope, which runs until September 16 2007, brings together works by Royal Academician John Russell (1745-1806) along with spectacular watercolour images of the moon by contemporary Oxfordshire painter Rebecca Hind.

The museum drew upon its unrivalled collection of lunar artworks by Russell, renowned for his royal portraits of King George III and his court.

Rebecca Hind's paintings contrast with Russell's 18th century works. © Museum Rebecca Hind

Russell’s connections helped him to obtain telescopes made by Peter Dollond and William Herschel and his enthusiasm as an astronomer led him to develop a huge portfolio of lunar artworks as he attempted to create an accurate record of the moon’s surface.

Russell’s meticulous astronomic records are in contrast to Hind’s atmospheric impressions but are also shown as works of art in their own right.

As well as paintings and drawings like his detailed five-foot lunar pastel, descriped as a portrait of the moon made over a period of ten years, Russell’s fascinating and detailed moon-globe model, which he called the Selenographia, is also shown.

As well as painting lords and royalty Russell was a keen astronomer. © Museum of the History of Science

The museum has a full programme of special events, talks and activities for all ages to accompany the exhibition.

These include a public lecture on John Russell: Artist and Astronomer runs on July 7 and several lunar-themed art workshops and talks.

Rebecca Hind will be running an artist’s talk on September 4 and Moonshine: Exploring Luminosity through Paint, an art workshop for all ages on September 1 and 8 and for adults on September 9.

For full details of all the events visit the Museum of the History of Science’s website.