The passing of time has always been a fascinating and troubling notion for mankind, and the thought of somehow ‘caging the minute’, to borrow from MacNeice, is inspiration enough for the endeavors of clockmakers. Horological Masterworks , running now in the Museum of the History of Science, takes us through one of the peaks of English engineering, mapping the rise of the pendulum mechanism alongside the careers of several master clock makers. The exhibition passes under four distinct headings, beginning with Prologue – domestic clocks up to about 1660 – and ending with the proud title of Perfection – the pinnacle of seventeenth century clock making. The clocks also reflect British history, their production being greatly encouraged by the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, and the patronage of the Royal Society. Although rather specialised, this is definitely a thought-provoking exhibition: we are presented with examples of clocks ranging from the more basic to the most elaborate: rugged looking ‘lantern clocks’– dented boxes of wheels and cogs held together by springs and brass rods, under the umbrella-like dome of the bell. Further on, both undersized and ostentatious grandfather clocks surround the visitor, with their etched brass faces. As the exhibition nears its end, the clocks become more elaborate, with architectural columns and gleaming silver mounts. Mirrors permit the visitor to view the insides of several clocks, and wonder at the regular rotations of tiny weights and axles. With its detail – running through the list of ‘great’ clock makers, from Fromanteel to Tompion – and several samey examples of each kind clock, this is not a general interest exhibition. And let’s be honest, clocks are just not going to be exciting until you’ve left Oxford behind and are considering soft furnishings and colour schemes. Students might also be put off the numbers of older visitors whose conversations seem to revolve around comparing their grandfather clocks to those of the exhibition, and speculating values. However, these are remarkable examples of ingenuity as well as artistry. Despite the initial clock’s warning that on this moment several samey examples of each kind clock, this is not a general interest exhibition. And let’s be honest, clocks are just not going to be exciting until you’ve left Oxford behind and are considering soft furnishings and colour schemes. Students might also be put off the numbers of older visitors whose conversations seem to revolve around comparing their grandfather clocks to those of the exhibition, and speculating values. However, these are remarkable examples of ingenuity as well as artistry.
ARCHIVE: 3rd Week TT 2003
Watch all the Clocks
