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The benefaction by which Thomas Guy founded the well-kn...THIS YEAR-GOING, spring-driven table clock was made by Thomas Tompion for William III (reigned 1689-1702). It is a spectacular work by Britain’s most celebrated clockmaker. The case is made of ebony veneer decorated with applied silver and gilt-brass mounts.
The dial shows hours and minutes but also has a sector aperture at the top which displays the days of the week, each with a personification of the day’s ruling planet.
The year duration is achieved by using six-wheel gear trains which are driven by relatively large barrels and fusees. The clock has a verge escapement controlled by a short pendulum. It strikes the hours in passing and has a pull-quarter repeat system (that is, it strikes the last hour and quarter on pulling a cord at the side of the case). A silver plaque on the dial is inscribed T Tompion Londini Fecit (Thomas Tompion of London made it).
Made in London, England, c. AD 1690
Ht 71 cm
Purchased with the assistance of the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Art Fund
The dial shows hours and minutes but also has a sector aperture at the top which displays the days of the week, each with a personification of the day’s ruling planet.
The year duration is achieved by using six-wheel gear trains which are driven by relatively large barrels and fusees. The clock has a verge escapement controlled by a short pendulum. It strikes the hours in passing and has a pull-quarter repeat system (that is, it strikes the last hour and quarter on pulling a cord at the side of the case). A silver plaque on the dial is inscribed T Tompion Londini Fecit (Thomas Tompion of London made it).
Made in London, England, c. AD 1690
Ht 71 cm
Purchased with the assistance of the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Art Fund