Mantel clock
Oak, brass, tortoise shell. | 78.5 x 57.0 x 22.5 cm (clock/instrument dial) | RCIN 30013
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A Louis XIV mantel clock - tête de poupée - segmentally shaped at the top and pinched below the dial which rests on a splayed stepped base. Below the dial is a reclining figure of Time holding a pair of scales in his right hand. Supported on the top of the case is a flying putto with flowers and grapes strewn before him. The splayed stand is a later addition which has an ormolu mask at the centre and chimera feet at the corners. The carcase is of stained oak and is veneered with première partie Boulle marquetry of engraved brass on tortoise shell. The mounts are of bronze chased and gilt. The eight day rack striking mechanism has a fusee movement and a recoil escapement. The matt gilded dial has the 12 hours represented in plaques of Roman numerals with a pair of blued steel pierced hands. Replacement movement supplied by Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy in 1834. Vulliamy number 1222
Provenance
Supplied by Robert Fogg in April 1811. Benjamin Jutsham notes in his Receipts Book 'sent to Mr. Vulliamy to be cleaned July 10 1815'. Sent by him to Brighton; the clock was in the Entrance Hall where it can be seen in Nash's view of the Entrance Hall c. 1824, although it is not engraved correctly and shows two birds rather than Cupid and Time. It is more accurately depicted in Pugin's watercolour from which the etching was taken. The clock was still in situ in January 1844 as the case was repaired, the ormolu mountings refitted and new Boullework cut for the base. It was consigned to Windsor following Queen Victoria's decision to sell the Royal Pavilion in 1846. It is item 7 in a 'List of Clocks, Shades Etc packed at the Pavilion Brighton 1846. Delivered by Mr. Tupper to Windsor Castle. 6 Jan 1847' and described as 'A Clock in ebony Buhl case with ormolu figures, Masks etc.'.
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Creator(s)
(clockmaker (movement))Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oak, brass, tortoise shell.
Measurements
78.5 x 57.0 x 22.5 cm (clock/instrument dial)
18.7 x 78.0 x 35.0 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
Alternative title(s)
Tête de poupée clock
