KENSINGTON CHURCH STREET SUMMER SHOWCASE - “Fit for Royalty”
To coincide with the reopening of our gallery on Friday 19th June, we are joining our fellow Antiques Dealers on Kensington Church Street in launching our Summer Showcase “Fit for Royalty”. To mark the 200th Anniversary Year of the death of King George III, we will be presenting a special selection of fine clocks made during his long reign (1760–1820)
Clocks and watches have been collected by monarchs across the centuries, whether as a means to ensure the carefully structured ceremony and routine at court, out of an interest in scientific innovation, or for the enjoyment of their mechanical and aesthetic qualities.
George III had a lifelong passion for horology. As a patron of horologists and scientists, he encouraged some of the most important developments in the horological field, and was a notable supporter of John Harrison and his attempts at finding an accurate marine timekeeper.
George III commissioned, collected and sometimes even designed clocks during his reign, adding the latest cutting-edge clocks and watches to the Royal Collection.
In his early years he expanded the Royal Clock Collection by acquiring a number of precision timepieces of exquisite workmanship and design, to furnish every room in Buckingham House. He purchased the house in 1761 as the family home for his wife Queen Charlotte and it was later expanded to form what is today the world-renowned Buckingham Palace.
Exceptional clocks by Eardley Norton (1728–1792), John Ellicott (1728-1772) and Benjamin Vulliamy (1747-1811) et al were among these acquisitions and a number of similar pieces by these famous makers are included in our first virtual exhibition.
You are also most welcome to come and view them in the gallery. However, due to social distancing could you please call or email us first to make an appointment so that we can manage numbers safely.
We very much look forward to hearing from you or seeing you on a visit.
