Howard Grubb

Sir Howard Grubb FRS (1844-1931) was an optical designer from Dublin, Ireland. He was head of a family firm that made large optical telescopes, telescope drive controls, and other optical instruments. He is also noted for his work to perfect the periscope and inventing the reflector sight.

Biography

Howard Grubb was one of eight children of Thomas, founder of the Grubb Telescope Company so Howard developed an early interest in optics. After training to be a civil engineer, Howard joined his father's firm in 1864 and gained the reputation of a first class producer of telescopes. In 1871 he married Mary Walker with whom he had six children.

Grubb was elected Fellow of the Royal Society in 1883 and of the Royal Astronomical Society in 1870. In 1887 he was knighted by Queen Victoria. Sir Howard was a longtime member of the Royal Dublin Society, serving as Honorary Secretary from 1889 to 1893, and as Vice President from 1893 to 1922. In 1912 he was awarded the medal of the Society, only the third person to receive it. Sir Howard Grubb died in 1931.