Two private clock collectors have collaborated to stage an outstanding exhibition of early English clocks

Two private clock collectors have collaborated to stage an outstanding exhibition of
early English clocks at the prestigious venue of Bonhams, New Bond Street, London.

The exhibition will also feature third party loans including contributions from the Science Museum, the Clockmakers’ Company and the Collection of the 5th Lord Harris from Belmont House, amongst others.

What makes the exhibition particularly exciting is that many of the clocks are being displayed together, almost certainly for the first time ever.

Some of the earliest pendulum clocks presented will be three Ahasuerus Fromanteel box clocks, produced in London within the first few years of the pendulum clock being developed in 1656. These were designed originally to be wall hung with simple box cases and with the dials hinged to allow access to the movements.

Soon, however, London-made clocks developed rapidly as shown by a quartet of Fromanteel striking table clocks (c.1660-1665), which are housed in elaborate cases, all of similar construction and originally with gilt brass fish scale basket tops but with movements and dials with different specific features. These clocks will be displayed alongside each other to enable the similar and contrasting features to be readily seen.