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George Henry With was one of the first exponents of silvered mirrors for use in astronomical instrumentsGeorge Henry With was head teacher at Bluecoat School in Hereford. He also worked as an agricultural chemist whilst teaching science at other schools in the area. In the mid 19th Century he was one of the first exponents of silvered mirrors for use in astronomical instruments, alongside Rev Thomas William Webb and Rev Henry Cooper Key, also of Herefordshire. Webb was a great populariser of astronomy and Key was Rector of Stretton Sugwas and an early telescope pioneer and inventor. George With made more than 200 mirrors for amateur telescopes.

In 1863 Webb experimented with a 5½-inch silvered-glass mirror made by GH With. This was new technology as reflecting telescopes had only previously used expensive metal speculum mirrors which tarnished quickly and required frequent re-polishing. Silvered mirrors were cheap and became readily available. In 1864 Webb up-graded by purchasing an 8 inch mirror and again in 1866 with a 9½ inch mirror, both made by G H With.

This mirror is now kept near to where it was made and tested. An example of Victorian technology, it helped astronomers explore the heavens, for private pleasure and to increase understanding of the universe.

George Henry With was one of the first exponents of silvered mirrors for use in astronomical instruments