March 6, 2007
Densely packed with intricate clock faces, downstairs in the History of Science Museum the story of clock making in England is told. In many cases local materials are used and regional styles emerge as families become master clock makers, particularly in the 18th century. Thomas Ogden of Halifax, for example, crafts the Oak longcase on display in 1735. As the visitor passes the time amongst the many ebonised pine longcases, it is noted that each clock is set to tell the time of the County it originates from. A Salisbury longcase is set 7 minutes and 12 seconds behind Greenwich and stands next to a map and evocative description of the town it is crafted in. A John Watts piece (1690) from Stamford is set 1 minute 56 seconds behind Greenwich. Accompanying the clock is an extract describing Stamford taken from Herman Moll's 'A new description of England and Wales'. This reads, 'Here was an university which yet lasted not long, the students returning again to Oxford, from whence, upon some Quarrel, they removed hither'. The description for Oxford from the same source reads, 'Where the Cherwel flows along with the Isis and meets'. A John Knibb Oxford timepiece from 1685 is set, as is the peal of Tom Bell, 5 minutes behind Greenwich. This opens up a new appreciation of the public clocks in Oxford.
This comprehensive display clearly exhibits how history is reflected in the process of clock making. The emigration of French Protestants (Huguenot) clock makers to London has the effect of increasing the number of English homes to boast a commissioned timepiece in 17th century. Two centuries later the ability of factories to fashion the many parts needed to produce an albeit much plainer looking longcase further increases the number of clocks in circulation. This comes at a time when the growth of the railways forces time across the country to be standardised. Now in the 21st Century, we are most likely to check a digital time display to see if the lunch hour has expired, yet the pure clear sound of the bells chiming through this compact display reminds the visitor how beautiful and timeless a timepiece can be. Glimpsing the description of a particular favourite, 'fine provincial marquetry case with walnut and ebony background', it is amazing how tall, slim and elegant a clock can be. Ding dong!
This comprehensive display clearly exhibits how history is reflected in the process of clock making. The emigration of French Protestants (Huguenot) clock makers to London has the effect of increasing the number of English homes to boast a commissioned timepiece in 17th century. Two centuries later the ability of factories to fashion the many parts needed to produce an albeit much plainer looking longcase further increases the number of clocks in circulation. This comes at a time when the growth of the railways forces time across the country to be standardised. Now in the 21st Century, we are most likely to check a digital time display to see if the lunch hour has expired, yet the pure clear sound of the bells chiming through this compact display reminds the visitor how beautiful and timeless a timepiece can be. Glimpsing the description of a particular favourite, 'fine provincial marquetry case with walnut and ebony background', it is amazing how tall, slim and elegant a clock can be. Ding dong!