Table clock
Le Roy et Fils
Category
Horology
Date
Unknown
Materials
Place of origin
Regent Street
Order this imageCollection
Tyntesfield, North Somerset
NT 25989
Summary
A French gold, silver, silver-gilt, gem-set, enamel and lapis table clock. The clock is surmounted by a delicate Indian jade bowl carved with petals and is probably by Morel & Cie, Paris, circa 1840. The base by Le Roy and the bowl by Morel & Cie probably came together when Antony Gibbs commissioned the clock in 1878. The twelve- sided lapis plinth is inset with the twelve grisaille enamel plaques of the signs of the zodiac. Above the plinth between two cloisonné bands in turquoise, red, green and yellow is an elaborate metal scrollwork band inset with six oval enamelled plaques within metal frames of cherubs and reclining figures one of which is open through which can be seen the Roman numeral X indicating the hour. The metal arcading above is composed of twelve alternating male and female caryatids. Within are twelve oval plaques depicting Classical gods, which are labelled above: DIANA / MARS / VENUS / VULCANUS / CERES / MERCURIUS / PALLAS / NEPTUNUS / JUNO / JUPITER / VESTA / TEMPUS. This indicates the minutes in Arabic numerals currently: 37.39. The twelve-sided base has twelve circular stud feet. The base plate secured with four screws is engraved: LE ROY ET FILS / TO THE QUEEN / AL / F / QVERENS / INVENIO. Additionally within scrollwork: 211 REGENT STREET / LONDON. There is some damage to the panels of Gemini and Cancer. The figure of Vesta broken off.
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
Le Roy et Fils, manufacturer