Bracket Clock
ca. 1695 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
Bracket clocks were designed to stand on a bracket or table top and were popular for libraries and closets.
People
The maker is probably the John Martin who was admitted to the freedom of the London Clockmakers' Company in 1679 and remained a member until 1701.
Materials & Making
The woods used in the marquetry case have been identified as holly (which has been stained red and green), sycamore, boxwood and purplewood. The case is decorated with repeating patterns. The domed top is inlaid with birds and arabesques. It has a finely chased, brass fold-down handle and four vase-shaped pineapple finials.
Bracket clocks were designed to stand on a bracket or table top and were popular for libraries and closets.
People
The maker is probably the John Martin who was admitted to the freedom of the London Clockmakers' Company in 1679 and remained a member until 1701.
Materials & Making
The woods used in the marquetry case have been identified as holly (which has been stained red and green), sycamore, boxwood and purplewood. The case is decorated with repeating patterns. The domed top is inlaid with birds and arabesques. It has a finely chased, brass fold-down handle and four vase-shaped pineapple finials.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
|
| Materials and techniques | Marquetry of sycamore, with walnut, holly, boxwood and purpleheart, some stained by scorching, with gilt-bronze mounts.
See departmental file for technical report on the movement (c.1974) by Dr. F.A.B. Ward (the original held by V&A Archive AO764). |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | Inscribed on the dial 'Martin, London' and on the backplate 'John Martin Londini Fecit' |
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
Although John Martin made this clock movement, he would have bought the case from a cabinet-maker. The small repeating patterns in the marquetry are versions of similar patterns in brass and tortoiseshell that were fashionable in France at the time. The cabinet-maker has created his version of that rich decoration using only three or four woods.(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | Bequeathed by Lt. Col. G. B. Croft-Lyons FSA |
| Object history | Bequest from Colonel Croft Lyons, per Mill Stephenson Esq., F.S.A., 38, Ritherdon Road, SW7 (RP 26/6627). Movement made in London and signed by John Martin (active 1679-1700). Listed among items previously on loan, now officially bequeathed on 18/8/26: Bracket clock in marquetry case (it is fitted with "rack striking work"). By John Martin, London. English; late 17th Century. |
| Historical context | There is a similar clock in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Accession number: 1952-92-6 |
| Production | signed by John Martin |
| Summary | Object Type Bracket clocks were designed to stand on a bracket or table top and were popular for libraries and closets. People The maker is probably the John Martin who was admitted to the freedom of the London Clockmakers' Company in 1679 and remained a member until 1701. Materials & Making The woods used in the marquetry case have been identified as holly (which has been stained red and green), sycamore, boxwood and purplewood. The case is decorated with repeating patterns. The domed top is inlaid with birds and arabesques. It has a finely chased, brass fold-down handle and four vase-shaped pineapple finials. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | W.61:1, 2-1926 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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