Maxwell's 195th Anniversary 13 June 2026
James Clerk Maxwell (1831-79) was one of the most important scientists of the 19th Century. He laid the foundations for many of the scientific and technological advances which shape our world.
Below we list some information with further links about Maxwell, and places associated with him which you can visit in person or virtually. There is much more on the rest of our web site.
We have launched a new journal called The Maxwellian and usually published twice per year. It is free to read on-line. More details and how to get news of publication.
John Arthur, our Foundation Curator, has recently published the 2nd edition of his book Brilliant Lives, The Clerk Maxwells and the Scottish Enlightenment, which describes James, his work and his remarkable family. The book is free to read on-line, and if you find it interesting, John asks that you please consider making a donation to the Foundation.
We are a small charity, and need to raise funds for our charitable activities promoting the achievements of James Clerk Maxwell.
Maxwell's life, family and work
This short animation (YouTube) by the Glasgow Science Centre describes Maxwell's work in a very accessible way.
[More videos are linked here.]
Or see the longer presentation Scotland's Einstein by Prof Catherine Heymans and Prof Martin Hendry at the Wigtown Book Festival 2022.
Maxwell location real/virtual tours: birthplace, Edinburgh & wider UK
Birthplace tour: He was born in this elegant Georgian house. It now displays a growing collection of heritage material associated with James Clerk Maxwell, his associates and family circle. ...Birthplace Tour Details
The Edinburgh tour takes you on foot or virtually round sites associated with Maxwell including his statue, the Royal Society of Edinburgh and his birthplace. ...Edinburgh Tour Details
UK Tour. His family's country estate was at Glenlair in Dumfries and Galloway, and he is buried in Parton churchyard there. Maxwell's first job was at Marischal College Aberdeen in 1856 where he met his future wife. Later (1874) he set up the Cavendish Laboratory at Cambridge. UK Tour Details
Music and animation
Glasgow musician and composer PJ Moore (of ‘The Blue Nile') is an enthusiastic promoter of James Clerk Maxwell's memory. An example of his work is this video piece (Vimeo) which combines the animations from Maxwell's zoetrope and images of Glenlair (Maxwell's country home), with words written by Maxwell at age 23 set to Paul's music.
A song and video (YouTube) about JCM, with words by Howie Firth and music by Andy & Flora Munro. This was written in 2012 and has been performed many times since then to appreciative audiences.
Maxwell 175 (2006) & 200 (2031)
The Foundation organised many events for Maxwell's 175th anniversary in 2006 ...MORE
... and plans to organise more leading up to Maxwell's 200th anniversary in 2031. Watch this space!
Keep in touch via our news e-mail lists
You can subscribe to one or both of the following e-mail list memberships:
- The Maxwellian publication notice (twice per year) - more details
- Occasional news about Maxwell-related events, JCMF and Maxwell200 developments
Register for e-mails here. (lauches our membermojo registration site)
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