Longcase
clock ~ DEAN of LEIGH, LANCASHIRE, circa 1800-1810
Thomas
Dean was a quality clock maker working in Leigh near Wigan in
the early 19th C.
Another similar example of his work is illustrated in Brian Loomes'
Painted Dial Clocks, plate no.119.
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A
14" square painted dial features a twelve o'clock or axe head moon.
The rolling moon disc depicting alternating moon phases and country
cottage scenes. Coloured spandrels with gilt roses amidst foliage
are complimented by a conforming outer dial gilt ring again with
roses. The dial centre has Roman hours, Arabic minutes chapter ring
with subsidiary date dial, brass ringed winding holes together with
further painted decoration in the form of birds of paradise.
The false plate is stamped with the dial makers name Whittaker and
Shreeve of Halifax. It is therefore possible to date this clock
with some accuracy as this partnership are recorded working for
a relatively short period of time from 1800-1817.
The plated movement with four turned and knopped pillars is of 8
day duration with rack striking, sounding the hours on a bell.
Superb quality is immediately apparent in the typical Lancashire
casework - the selection of figured veneers, inlays and stringing
of exotic woods, the complex mouldings, delicately turned baluster
& ring turned hood columns and of course the excellent proportions
throughout. The height of fashion at this time were the square section
reeded trunk quarter columns, the shaped door top and mahogany fitments
to the hood. An equal degree of refinement is seen in the base with
its canted corners flanking a central crotch veneered panel formed
by cross banding and double strung borders, all standing on tiny
ogee feet. fabulous clock displaying the pride and craftsmanship
of those involved in its design and construction and an enormous
source of pleasure for its future custodians!
Priced at £7850 to include local delivery, setting up and 12 months
guarantee on the clock movement. |
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