Bracket Clock
ca. 1700 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Object Type
This bracket clock with its ebonised case and silver mounts is a fine representative of a high-quality London-made time piece of the early 18th century. The complex mechanism is very characteristic of its maker, Charles Gretton. There is also a calendar mechanism, with a date aperture in the dial. The prominent silver mount on the top of the clock is pierced with scrolling foliage and bears the crest and cipher of Charles Bodville Robartes, 2nd Earl of Radnor (1685-1723). The clock has undergone some restoration.
People
Charles Gretton was one of the best London clockmakers of the early 18th century. He was apprenticed in 1662, became a member of the Clockmakers Company in 1672 and was Master of the Clockmakers' Company from 1700 to 1733. He made watches, long-case clocks and bracket clocks, many like this example with complex repeating movements.
This bracket clock with its ebonised case and silver mounts is a fine representative of a high-quality London-made time piece of the early 18th century. The complex mechanism is very characteristic of its maker, Charles Gretton. There is also a calendar mechanism, with a date aperture in the dial. The prominent silver mount on the top of the clock is pierced with scrolling foliage and bears the crest and cipher of Charles Bodville Robartes, 2nd Earl of Radnor (1685-1723). The clock has undergone some restoration.
People
Charles Gretton was one of the best London clockmakers of the early 18th century. He was apprenticed in 1662, became a member of the Clockmakers Company in 1672 and was Master of the Clockmakers' Company from 1700 to 1733. He made watches, long-case clocks and bracket clocks, many like this example with complex repeating movements.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Ebony case, with engraved and pierced silver mounts |
| Brief description | Bracket Clock - Gretton |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | Bears the arms, crest and cipher of Charles Bodville Robartes 2nd, Earl of Radnor; inscribed 'Charles Gretton in Fleet Street' |
| Gallery label | British Galleries:
The lavish silver mounts and engraved crest indicate that this clock was a special commission for Charles Robartes, 2nd Earl of Radnor (1660-1723). He owned houses in St James' Square, London, Cornwall (Llanhydrock) and Cambridgeshire (Wimpole Hall). Charles Gretton was a top London clockmaker, specialising in clocks and watches with sophisticated repeating movements.(27/03/2003) |
| Credit line | Given by Herbert Sleigh |
| Object history | Made in London and signed by Charles Gretton (apprenticed to the Clockmaker's Company 1662, Master of the Clockmaker's Company 1700) |
| Summary | Object Type This bracket clock with its ebonised case and silver mounts is a fine representative of a high-quality London-made time piece of the early 18th century. The complex mechanism is very characteristic of its maker, Charles Gretton. There is also a calendar mechanism, with a date aperture in the dial. The prominent silver mount on the top of the clock is pierced with scrolling foliage and bears the crest and cipher of Charles Bodville Robartes, 2nd Earl of Radnor (1685-1723). The clock has undergone some restoration. People Charles Gretton was one of the best London clockmakers of the early 18th century. He was apprenticed in 1662, became a member of the Clockmakers Company in 1672 and was Master of the Clockmakers' Company from 1700 to 1733. He made watches, long-case clocks and bracket clocks, many like this example with complex repeating movements. |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | M.54-1943 |
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| Record created | March 27, 2003 |
| Record URL |
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