Longcase clock
James Clark
Category
Horology
Date
1700 - 1800
Materials
Oak and brass
Place of origin
Frome
Collection
Tyntesfield, North Somerset
NT 13751
Summary
An oak and inlaid longcase clock with an onion arched hood with fluted finial blocks, glazed side panels and gilt painted capitals to the pilasters. The trunk has thumbnail mouldings on the sides flanking a breakarch door with chequer and starburst inlays. The plinth has a central stellar inlay and apron raised on bracket feet. The arch above the dial has a silvered convex disc engraved with an eagle and the motto: TEMPUS FUGIT. The dial, with female mask and foliate spandrels, has a silvered Roman and Arabic chapter ring with fleur-de-lys half-hour markers. Signed; JAM.S, CLARK FROME. The matted centre of the dial with subsidiary silvered seconds ring and date aperture with engraved border. A false plate can be found on the four pillar rack striking movement with anchor escapement and is stamped: OSBORNE. James Clark made the clock for the Blue House School, Frome in 1724 (still in use in 1995). He built and maintained church clocks in the area. At least ten long case clocks are recorded by him. Last recorded date for him was in the 1785 census. A J Moore, The Clockmakers of Somerset 1650 – 1900, pp60-1
Provenance
Purchased from the estate of the late Lord Wraxall with the assistance of the NHMF and donations from members and supporters.
Makers and roles
James Clark, horologist