The Tompion Longcase Clock
One of the 14 clocks in this collection, this elegant month-going clock by Thomas Tompion, c.1685, with its 10 inch square dial and silvered chapter ring, is set in a handsome walnut case decorated with spiral turned columns and an elaborate cresting.
The Tompion Longcase Clock
A longcase clock, walnut oak, brass, Thomas Tompion (1639-1713), London, c.1685-1890.
Height: 209cm Width: 46cm; Depth: 28cm NT1984.071
The 10 inch square dial has an engraved border of double wheatears with winged cherubs in the spandrels and a silvered chapter ring that surrounds a matted centre.
The six-pillar movement is fully latched with the trains reversed and having an anchor escapement and an outside count wheel. Whilst the shutter mechanism shielding the winding arbors still operates, the maintaining power bolt is missing.
The quarter veneered walnut case has a forward sliding hood which had originally been made to rise. This later conversion is a typical feature of this type of longcase clock, for it makes it easier to remove the hood without the need for ladders.
The hood is enlivened with elegant twisted spiral columns which support an elaborately carved cresting decorated with a winged cherub, gargoyles, floral rosettes and garlands.
In the frieze and on the sides are delicate pierced fretwork panels backed with red silk which allow the sound of the strike to reverberate around the house.
Thomas Tompion (1639-1713) was the leading English clockmaker of the period, who is known not only for the quality of his work, but also for the introduction of some important developments, such as the first watches with balance springs and intricate repeating mechanisms for clocks.
The clock is recorded in An Inventory of Household goods belonging to James Lowther Esq. At Flatt, taken the 1st June 1724. It was sold at the Lowther Castle sale in 1947 and came into Noel Terry’s possession soon after.
Height: 209cm Width: 46cm; Depth: 28cm NT1984.071
The 10 inch square dial has an engraved border of double wheatears with winged cherubs in the spandrels and a silvered chapter ring that surrounds a matted centre.
The six-pillar movement is fully latched with the trains reversed and having an anchor escapement and an outside count wheel. Whilst the shutter mechanism shielding the winding arbors still operates, the maintaining power bolt is missing.
The quarter veneered walnut case has a forward sliding hood which had originally been made to rise. This later conversion is a typical feature of this type of longcase clock, for it makes it easier to remove the hood without the need for ladders.
The hood is enlivened with elegant twisted spiral columns which support an elaborately carved cresting decorated with a winged cherub, gargoyles, floral rosettes and garlands.
In the frieze and on the sides are delicate pierced fretwork panels backed with red silk which allow the sound of the strike to reverberate around the house.
Thomas Tompion (1639-1713) was the leading English clockmaker of the period, who is known not only for the quality of his work, but also for the introduction of some important developments, such as the first watches with balance springs and intricate repeating mechanisms for clocks.
The clock is recorded in An Inventory of Household goods belonging to James Lowther Esq. At Flatt, taken the 1st June 1724. It was sold at the Lowther Castle sale in 1947 and came into Noel Terry’s possession soon after.
This object is located in the Library
It is categorised as Clock or Barometer
This page was last updated on 11 April 2007