 A Tompion Tallcase. Thomas Tompion is often called the "Father of English Clockmaking." The Enduring quality of his clocks can be seen in examples such as the one shown on our front cover, which is currently on display as a new donation, by Mr. Joseph Banko, to the National Watch and Clock Museum®. This 30-day clock, c.`1675-1679, has a wheel count strike and repeat function.
Although the casemaker is unknown, this clock illustrates many features that are common to other tallcase Tompion clocks, including an elegant simplicity of form and inlay ornamentation. However, this clock is distinctive in that it features both marquetry and parquetry. Parquetry, the art of geometric inlay, is the older form of ornamentation. Marquetry, the art of floral inlay, came into use around 1680. A clock case featuring both styles is unusual and may indicate that the case was created during a transitional period or that it has been altered from the earlier style at a later date. This case also features oyster veneer, which is the circular pattern seen in the background on the case front. This pattern is created by utilizing the end grain cuts of branches or trunks to form a pattern similar to the surface of oyster shells. Michele Nichols, Acting Curator
Photography by sterling Commercial Photography |
