THE ANDREW HALL COLLECTION OF LONGCASE CLOCKS
Andrew G Curzon Hall Born 1944
Derbyshire
England
Andrew Hall grew up in a rambling old Manor House full of interesting antiques. A grandfather clock which his father had purchased a in the 1930’s, stood on the mosaic hall floor stopping and starting as it pleased. At that time, as in all country villages, there was a local repairman who fixed anything from lawn mowers to light switches. He was, of course, called in to revive the clock after it stopped and probably did more damage than good! Nevertheless it tried its hardest to tell the time giving Andrew a lifelong interest in clocks. During the 1960’s Andrew’s mother sent him to an auction to purchase a small bureau that had taken her fancy, this was the beginning of his accidental introduction to the world of antiques. Auctions were a new concept to Andrew but he did manage to purchase the bureau and was hooked. Having spent 2 years working in a bank, another year or so selling car batteries what better way to earn a living, he thought! Knowledge was obtained at every moment, items purchased, items sold, profits made, profits lost. By July 1965 he rented a shop and his name was proudly seen above the door. The seed was set to an eventful career! At this time there was a great export trade to America. Whilst open for business who should walk through the door but Gerald Taylor. Gerald is a most interesting man, extremely knowledgeable and with an eye for good taste. Based in London he would scour the provinces once a week for his stock. Although he had a broad knowledge in many things it was his keen interest in clocks that fascinated Andrew the most. The two of them became very good friends, with Gerry’s knowledge and Andrew’s insatiable appetite to listen and learn he soon took on board a great deal about running a clock business. Andrew’s other love – old style jazz pulled him to New Orleans in the early seventies. This enabled him to enjoy his music but also set up business as a dealer on Royal Street specializing in fine timepieces. All clocks were in tiptop condition and part of the service was the ability to set them up anywhere in the United States by his own team. Many well-known celebrities crossed the threshold of the shop including Nicholas Cage, Goldie Hawn, Oprah Winfrey, Ron Howard, Rod Stewart, politicians, governors, presidential candidates and many more. With the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005Andrew decided to downsize his business and spend more time back in the UK. Here we have his interesting catalogue of clocks to be sold as a complete collection. They are all in working order, very varied in age and style they all have a story to tell! Gerry and Andrew still get together every now and again to reminisce about the many clocks they have seen together. Andrew is now retired and spends his time between New Orleans, USA and Newark in England. Andrew G Curzon Hall is a member of the NAWCC in A merica and the BRITISH HOROLOGICAL INSTITUTE in ENGLA ND
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William Tomlinson
London
A wonderful early clock in a well figured walnut case. William Tomlinson was born in 1673 at Crossmore near Preston Lancashire. He soon moved to London having various workshops in Birchin Lane, White Hart Court and Gracechurch St. He died in Shoreditch in 1750. The quality of his work is evident here. The arched brass dial engaved with herringbone border, fleur de lys half hour markers and ringed winding holes. The walnut case has that lovely warm colour that goes with years of care. Mr Tomlinson was a well respected craftsmen becoming a Brother of the Clockmakers Company in 1699. His work is well documented and on display at the Wethersfield Collection, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, South Kensington Museum and Greenwich Museum. These days clocks of this period in this condition are extremely hard to find. This was a treasure to discover and a pleasure to own. 94ins High 20ins Wide 9ins Deep They don’t come any better!
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Edwards and Rober ts
c.1900
Edwards and Roberts were among the finest cabinetmakers during the second half of the 19th century. As well as producing quality furniture they were noted for restoring and adapting their skills to embellish earlier pieces. Their marquetry work was of the highest standard and here we have a prime example of an 18th century clock case updated to suit the tastes of the day. In addition to that they had commissioned a fine movement and dial playing the quarter hour on bells. The marquetry work on this case is a pleasure to see. Delicate fruitwood inlay depicting drapes, flowers and birds with the base showing a beautiful cluster of musical instruments. The quality of this work is outstanding. Inside the top of the door can be found their original label, which states‌ Edwards & Roberts Wardour St 126 Piccadilly 532 Oxford St LONDON To have a piece of furniture decorated in such a manner today would be hard to find, such fine craftsmen are few and far between. The 3-train movement is of the best quality striking the quarter hour on bells. You have a choice of Westminster, Whittington or a silent lever if you prefer. 98ins High 18ins Wide 9ins Deep This is an incredible timepiece put together by very skilled and talented English cabinetmakers. -4-
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Edward Goldsworthy
Exeter and London
c.1790
This tall and fascinating timepiece displays interesting information about 18th Century Devon and Cornwall. The historical importance of this clock is evident from the square silver plated dial that is very well engraved with a pump house, sailing ship and flowers to the corners. The pumps house relates to the tin mining industry, which was prevalent in the area at this time. These buildings played an important role in keeping the mines as dry as possible. The high quality of the mahogany case could be attributed to Mr. Goldsworthy’s move, in 1802, to London. However, as the case is not at all provincial so it could be associated at a later date. Nevertheless the colour is superb, note the fine fretwork decoration on the hood and carved rosettes at the top of the swan neck pediment. With an 8-day movement and bell striking on the hour, it doesn’t get much better than this. 94ins High 20ins Wide 10ins Deep A handsome clock with a tale to tell! -6-
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John Smith, Manchester,
c.1800
A definite addition to many homes in Lancashire at the end of the 18th century would have been a fine quality mahogany long case clock. The Industrial Revolution was well on its way and successful people furnished their homes in a grand style. The phases of the moon in the arched dial led many to call these very popular timepieces ‘Lancashire Rollers’. This period had an abundance of good mahogany being imported through Liverpool so there was no shortage of the right materials for these always tall, handsome and very well made clocks. The 8-day movements were strong and accurate. This is a wonderful example of a well-made Lancashire Roller of that period. The finely figured mahogany case is cross-banded in the Tunbridge design with canted corners on the base perched on elegant ogee feet. The dial with anchors placed at the corners surrounding Arabic numerals and a painting of a ship shows that the dials were often painted to someone’s own taste. The original owner must have had nautical connections. 94ins High 23ins Wide 10ins Deep -8-
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Alexander Kirkwood
Paisley
c.1820
The very knowledgeable Gerry Taylor introduced me to Scottish Polychrome dial clocks in the early 1970’s. He had discovered the whimsical beauty of these items and was on a crusade to save them for posterity. He became one of the biggest traders in Scottish clocks and even sold a collection to the Museum in Edinburgh. Polychrome dials were mostly a process done in Scotland, the paint being applied over gold and silver leaf. They often featured Scottish folklore with heroes like Mary Queen of Scots, Wallace and Robert Burns. This particular clock has the four continents of the Empire in the corners, Europe, Asia, Africa and America. The arch has a copy of the Shepherdess, a painting that can be found in the Glasgow Museum. The mahogany case has a lovely rich patina and retains the style of the period. There is an 8-day movement striking the hour on a bell. 81ins High 19ins Wide 9ins Deep A small and very well proportioned clock. - 10 -
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William Lassell
Toxteth Park
Liverpool
c.1760
William learned the skills of clock making from his father Thurston who died in 1758. This earlier period shows Lancashire clocks of a smaller proportion with influences taken from the London craftsmen. A really unique feature is the glass panels in the top of the hood. These painted glass panels of simulated frets were especially popular in Lancashire and nowhere else. This very pleasing case has an incredible patina. The dial is well engraved in the centre and has ringed winding holes. The clock has an 8-day movement striking the hour on a bell. 93ins High 19ins Wide 9ins Deep This attractive style of Lancashire clock was made for a relatively short period of time. Hence they are harder to find.
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Robert Stewart Glasgow c.1860 Domestic Regulators always seem to fascinate the eye of the beholder. There is continuous movement with the shiny brass pendulum in full view. Robert Stewart of Glasgow who was also listed as a diamond merchant made this wonderful clock. This could well account for him having such an impressive timepiece at his place of business. An 8-day movement with deadbeat escapement and striking the hour on a gong. The mahogany case shows a lovely patina, and also displays a polished back behind the pendulum. The hood surround is well carved and maintains all the original parts. This has to be the earliest type of clock with a glass door. A wonderful idea for those who wished to be able to see what this part of the mechanism looks like. After this period many clocks were made exposing the pendulum and weights. It is interesting that this was never done any earlier. 86ins High 21ins Wide 12ins Deep A compact and attractive timepiece! - 14 -
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Dirk T yhuysen OostZaandam Holland c.1760 Good Dutch clocks are absolutely unique! They are large, detailed, finely made and display many sides of the art world. I first got involved with them when I was supplying fine timepieces to the Hollywood Aristocracy. Several well-known personalities would love to adorn their elegant homes with such items, the workmanship is first rate and there are many additional items including days of the week and date etc. In the early days of long case clock making a number of well know Dutch and English craftsmen traded ideas and even produced items in each other’s country. This probably created friendly competition that made the standards so high. This particular example stands out above others because of the magnificent painting under the dial. The subject being Apollo and the arts. The lenticle on the door is surrounded by the mythological Europa mounting Zeus disguised as a bull. I think if I had to do a lecture on antiques and could only take one piece of furniture it would be this clock! There is so much to talk about. The case is veneered in a rich walnut with the door cross-banded in satinwood. It also has an unusual Bombay base. The top is adorned with 3 figures, Atlas and 2 angels. It has an 8-day movement with the hour strike repeating at half past and also has the original alarm attached. 106ins High 23ins Wide 12ins Deep This fine timepiece was placed on exhibition at the British Horological Institute for their 150th Anniversary in 2008. - 16 -
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John Simpkin, Rillington c.1800 I had never been a fan of 30 hours clocks until I came across this particular gem. They have to be very special to attract my attention. Hence this adorable timepiece from East Yorkshire which found its way into my collection! There is something very territorial about clock cases made at this time in this area. They were very, very influenced by the Pagoda top design usually found in London. The Port of Hull, just south of Rillington led the way in producing this design, and has to be credited with promoting quality cases in this provincial style. They were normally made in mahogany and manufactured by good craftsmen. The patina is lovely and the door and hood are adorned with attractive inlay. Four Gospel Apostles are found in each corner of the well-painted dial with the arch showing an interesting painting of the Resurrection. It has a 30-hour movement with bell strike on the hour. 84ins High 18ins Wide 8ins Deep It is a special clock with many quality features. - 18 -
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J Sowerby Lancaster c.1790 From the second half of the 18th century it was common practice for Lancaster cabinetmakers to work as journeymen for Gillows and set up their own businesses. By this time the Gillows family had become one of the finest furniture makers in the country, gaining a reputation all over England and as far away as America. These fine craftsmen trained with Gillows in Lancaster then added their own personal touch in cabinet making. This is a wonderful clock case. It is made from the best materials and taken straight from a design of the period. (Reference page 407 in Gillows by Susan E Stuart) The patina is exquisite bearing that rich colour from years of polish and care. It has the typical Lancastrian round top to the trunk door, with quarter columns and canted corners to the base. The white dial is very attractive with well painted flowers trimmed with gold serving as spandrels. Whilst the arch is decorated with a handsome urn. There is a good 8-day movement striking on the hour. In the York Book of Prices a Lancastrian workman was paid 18 Shillings to make a clock case! 95ins High 21ins Wide 10ins Deep This has to be one of my favourite clocks. I really love it! - 20 -
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T & J OLLIVANT
MANCHESTER
c.1830
I have always had an admiration for good Lancashire clocks. They always make a statement; this wonderful example by the Ollivant family of Manchester is no exception. They were a busy and prominent line of clockmakers spanning almost 100 years. Their credits are numerous including lever pocket watches, bracket clocks and elaborate floor standing regulators. Here we have a Gothic style mahogany case with a very rich patina. There are cluster columns both on the trunk and the hood and all the finials and bun feet are original. There is a great sense of presence with this clock, standing proudly in the hallway it seems in charge of all that passes by. It has a convex white dial, eight-day movement with bell strike on the hour. 94ins High 24ins Wide 9ins Deep - 22 -
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William Taylor
W hitehaven
c.1780
Whitehaven in Cumbria is a small coastal town about 130 miles north of Manchester. In the 18th century this was quite a distance but the high quality of Lancashire clocks could often be found there. Here we have a good example of a mahogany case with attractive cross banding to the door and base. The dial is well engraved in the centre with a tidal marker above the rolling moon. Another interesting feature is the centre date hand. Being by the sea these moon dials were a great help letting you know the high and low tides. Jonas Barber from Westmoreland was by far the most famous clockmaker from this area and this well made timepiece closely resembles his style. It was quite common for makers from here to omit the second hand. Nevertheless they more than made up for it in the high standard of cabinet making and excellent dials. An 8-day movement with bell strike on the hour. 91ins High 22ins Wide 10 ins Deep A very good Northern Clock with plenty to say! - 24 -
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Waring & Gillows London
c.1910
By the mid 19th century the quality of English long case clocks were less and less interesting becoming huge and unattractive. Then in 1876 Henry Clay Work wrote his popular song ‘My Grandfather’s Clock’. It was an instant hit and helped to revive the clock business. Although the basic style would remain the workings became larger, stronger and much more sophisticated. In the early 1880’s J.J. Elliott of London started manufacturing movements of the highest quality. For the next 40 years they would be the main suppliers to the British and American clock trade. This clock is the perfect example of one of these high quality movements. It strikes a selection of chimes playing Westminster or Whittington on 9 tubes. It also has a strike/silent adjustment and attractively engraved dial. Both Waring and Gillows were long established cabinetmakers, they merged into one company in 1897. They would produce high quality furniture together in both Lancashire and London. This example of their work shows a lovely detailed case to house the excellent movement. It is made of fine mahogany with inlay to the door and base. Good carving including fluted columns with acanthus leaves below, which really adds to its appeal. 94ins High 19ins Wide 14ins Deep This is a superb example of a Revival Period long case clock! - 26 -
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T homas Andr ews
Dover
c.1790
The quality of London Clocks has always thrilled me and no more so than a timepiece not quite made in the Metropolis. In the late 18th century Clockmakers from as far away as Dover must have learnt their skills from the capital before adding their own personal touch. No more so is this evident than with Thomas Andrews. A flourishing family business situated on ‘The Quay at the Pier’ in late 18th century Dover. There is a good 5-pillar 8-day movement with strike/silent lever in the arch. Like many other makers from this period Mr. Andrews was also an experienced silversmith, which is evident with the silvered dial. The mahogany case is of excellent quality with a rich patina. The cresting on the hood is a typical Kent feature. Sometimes Mr. Andrews would have had his cases made by Goulden of Canterbury, an acceptable practice carried out by clockmakers east of Faversham. There is no evidence of that happening here except that this design has the ‘Goulden Style’. 98ins High 19ins Wide 9ins Deep A timepiece of great taste, the more you study it the more it has to say! - 28 -
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Festival of Britain Grandaughter Clock
c. 1951
The 1951 Festival of Britain was specifically focused on British achievements to encourage a feeling of recovery and progress and to promote better quality design after the harsh times following the second world war. There is no evidence that this timepiece was shown at the Festival but its style tells me it must have been made around the same time. The mahogany case is a mixture of traditional styles and made by a skilled craftsman. The detail is exquisite with a great deal of thought used in the making. The base starts with ogee feet then a brick base design, which continues partially up the trunk, there are quarter columns on the remainder. Below the hood we have pear drops and blind fretwork. The top of the hood has more blind fretwork and the swan necks both have rosettes to finish. It is a diminutive size and often the centre of attraction. It has a spring driven 8-day movement striking every 15 minutes. 48ins High 8ins Wide 7ins Deep Many people would attempt to date this clock earlier but I believe they are incorrect. I have had it inspected by an expert cabinetmaker and he fully agrees with my dating. A good conversation piece!! - 30 -
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Contact Details
001 504 452 5629 (U.S.A.) +44 1636 673 344 (England)
curzonhall@earthlink.net
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BHI
NAWCC
‘an amazing and interesting collection of clocks’