Details
Image(s)
TitleMusical Table Clock with Bell Playing and Organ Movement, ‘Shaftesbury
CreatorSpencer & Perkins (clockmaker)
PlaceLondon (England)
Year ca. 1787
Object number0609
Object nametimepiece with organ pipes, table clock
DescriptionThis fantastically decorated clock has a case of oak, bellows of goatskin, and a crystal dome on top. The doors of this richly painted object are fitted with a metal fretwork, behind which green fabric is stretched. This allows the sound of the bells and organ to travel unobstructed.
Accompanying textsThe musical mechanism has 10 bells and 10 hammers, and plays 4 melodies. The bell sequence is c-d-e-f-g-a-b-c-d-e. The organ has 18 keys; 8 melodies are programmed on the cylinder.
The organ plays notes within C major, with the addition of F-sharp, and has covered and open metal pipes. The list of repertoire titles is as follows: Allegro; Catch; Song; Dance; March; Dance; Minuet; Voluntary.
Although this beautiful clock was made in England, it did not necessarily appeal to wealthy English consumers at the time. In fact, smooth, sleek, streamlined black casings and relatively somber designs sold more there. Not surprisingly, this clock was probably intended for another market. In this case, the buyer was a Portuguese aristocrat, who paid 100 English pounds for this elaborate instrument in 1787. And that was not unusual. The English clockmakers knew how to find clientele further afield: they also produced instruments for Turkish sultans and Chinese emperors.
The organ plays notes within C major, with the addition of F-sharp, and has covered and open metal pipes. The list of repertoire titles is as follows: Allegro; Catch; Song; Dance; March; Dance; Minuet; Voluntary.
Although this beautiful clock was made in England, it did not necessarily appeal to wealthy English consumers at the time. In fact, smooth, sleek, streamlined black casings and relatively somber designs sold more there. Not surprisingly, this clock was probably intended for another market. In this case, the buyer was a Portuguese aristocrat, who paid 100 English pounds for this elaborate instrument in 1787. And that was not unusual. The English clockmakers knew how to find clientele further afield: they also produced instruments for Turkish sultans and Chinese emperors.
Dimensions
geheel height: 147 cm
geheel width: 67 cm
geheel depth: 38.5 cm
geheel deur open depth: 75 cm
geheel deur open width: 100 cm
cilinder length: 24.7 cm
cilinder diameter: 10 cm
geheel width: 67 cm
geheel depth: 38.5 cm
geheel deur open depth: 75 cm
geheel deur open width: 100 cm
cilinder length: 24.7 cm
cilinder diameter: 10 cm
Digital references