François-Justin Vulliamy (1712-98)
Bracket clock c. 1750
Mahogany, gilt metal, silver, blued steel | 50 x 27 x 17 cm (whole object) | RCIN 2872
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English striking bracket clock in an ebonised case, a broken arch to the top with a carrying handle and brass fretted sides. Corner spandrels of gilt, silvered chapter ring with the hours represented in Roman figures and 5 minute intervals in arabic numerals the centre with a GIIR monogram. Two subsidiary dials in the arch. The mechanism comprises an eight day rack pull quarter repeat striking clock with fusee movement and recoil escapement. Subsidiary regulation dial on the top left and a strike silent subsidiary dial on the top right. Pair of blued steel pierced hands on the main dial and simple hands on the smaller dials.
This bracket clock is characteristic of the type of English clocks produced in considerable numbers in Britain during the first half of the eighteenth-century. Benjamin Gray was in royal service from 1742, when he was appointed Watchmaker in ordinary. In the following year he entered into a partnership with François-Justin Vulliamy, which lasted until Gray’s death at the great age of 88 in 1764. Thereafter Vulliamy, younger by some thirty-six years, took on the business as sole proprietor. Vulliamy came from the Swiss canton of Vaud to Paris and from there to London to increase his knowledge of horology, in particular the development of the cylinder escapement. The partnership’s premises at no. 74 (later re-numbered 68) Pall Mall, where they moved in 1752, remained the headquarters of the family firm of Vulliamy for the next three generations. Over this later period the firm was to experience considerable royal patronage, especially from George IV.
Text adapted from The First Georgians; Art and Monarchy 1714 - 1760, London, 1714Provenance
Supplied to George II.
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Creator(s)
(clockmaker)(clockmaker)(nationality)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Mahogany, gilt metal, silver, blued steel
Measurements
50 x 27 x 17 cm (whole object)
Alternative title(s)
Table clock