Outsideology

Outsideology is an independent family-run business, passionate about designing and building the very best things for astronomers. Our story began back in 2010, when Neil, our designer, was first asked to help find a suitable observatory for a friend in Edinburgh, Scotland. There were many observatory products on the market at the time, but none really met his needs: none provided the security, longevity or quality that he required. And so Neil set about creating what would become the finest observatory made commercially in the UK. Though it was the very first, it had several very important qualities: it was damp-free, fully secure and built to a quality that meant it was destined for a lifetime's observing. Since then, Neil has continued to design and build observatories of all shapes and sizes, named after the birthplace of the first one, "Home Farm". In 2015, Outsideology was formed, combining his skills with those of Vanessa, his wife, and Jeremy, his brother. Vanessa manages the financial and 'business' side of Outsideology, having keen skills in business administration and project management, and she represents the company at events. She holds degrees in biochemistry and dietetics, is an enthusiastic baker and loves reading. Neil is an experienced astronomer and holds a degree in Physics with Space Science. Responsible for the design and creation of our observatories, Neil is passionate about creating outdoor spaces that enhance our enjoyment of the Night Sky. When not at the workshop, Neil frequently speaks on astronomy, teaches astro-photography and in his 'down-time' is usually to be found tapping away at his computer, working on some kind of world-changing thing or other. Jeremy is a qualified joiner and leads the process of turning Neil's designs into reality. He has a great deal of experience in all forms of outdoor joinery and hard landscaping, and works like a trojan! When not moving tons of earth or van-loads of timber, he works out in his home gym and creates original artworks in the unusual medium of spray paint.