Clock thumbnail 1
Clock thumbnail 2
+2
images
Not on display

This object consists of 2 parts, some of which may be located elsewhere.

Clock

ca. 1685 (made)
Artist/Maker
Fromanteel, Johannes (made)
Place of origin
London (made)

There were 3 clockmakers of the name Fromanteel recorded as working in London from 1630 onwards. It is said that Ahasuerus Fromanteel introduced the short pendulum in 1658. The family were of Flemish origin, having settled in East Anglia in the 16th century. John Fromanteel was admitted to the Clockmaker's Company in 1663.

The case of this bracket clock is surmounted by a demical top of pierced chased brass with scrolled handle. The brass dial has cherub lead spandrel ornament.

Object details

Category
Clocks & Watches
Object type
Clock
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Keys
  • Clock
Materials and techniques
Kingwood
Gilt Metal
Veneering
Brief description
Bracket clock, ca. 1685, English, inscribed ‘Johannes Fromanteel Londini fecit’. Case veneered with kingwood
Physical description
Bracket clock in a case veneered with kingwood, on four gilt feet. Pierced gilt metal basket top, glazed rectangular panels on the sides. Fold-down carrying handle.
Dimensions
  • Height: 36cm
  • Width: 23.5cm
  • Depth: 16cm
LW 20.1.10
Gallery label
(pre July 2001)
Bracket Clock
English about 1685
London, by John Fromantel
Kingwood veneer, gilt metal, glass
W.73-1926

The plain case is surmounted by a pierced gilt metal dome which in turn allows the bell to sound from the case. The Kingwood veneer is an unusual example of case decoration.

After the severe perils, both natural and political, of the 1660's, a greater number of people began to earn disposable income. Clocks, amongst many other luxury items, became available to a greater number of consumers. The presence of time keeping instruments within households reflects the growing need to regulate the daily routines of the household members.
Credit line
Bequeathed by Lt. Col. G. B. Croft-Lyons FSA
Object history

Summary
There were 3 clockmakers of the name Fromanteel recorded as working in London from 1630 onwards. It is said that Ahasuerus Fromanteel introduced the short pendulum in 1658. The family were of Flemish origin, having settled in East Anglia in the 16th century. John Fromanteel was admitted to the Clockmaker's Company in 1663.

The case of this bracket clock is surmounted by a demical top of pierced chased brass with scrolled handle. The brass dial has cherub lead spandrel ornament.
Collection
Furniture and Woodwork Collection
Accession number
W.73:2-1926

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Record createdJuly 5, 2001
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O60648/clock-fromanteel-johannes/
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