Historic Watch and Clock Exhibition Hosted at Bonhams
Curated by the historian and clock expert, Richard Garnier, the prestigious venue of Bonhams in London will play host to Innovation and Collaboration.
Between Monday September 3 and Friday September 14, 2018, two private collectors will collaborate to exhibit an outstanding collection of early English watches, clocks and documents.
Curated by the historian and clock expert, Richard Garnier, the prestigious venue of Bonhams in London will play host to Innovation and Collaboration. Showcasing over one hundred artefacts dated between 1600 – 1726, the exhibition will also feature loans from the Science Museum, The Clockmakers’ Company and the Collection of the 5th Lord Harris from Belmont House.
The specimens included are very rarely on display to the public and this is the first major watch and clock exhibition to be held within central London for nearly fifty years. Many of the exhibits to be on display were Royal commissions or part of historic private collections. The exhibition’s main objective is to promote the public’s interest in horology through a thematic display of these rare and precious objects.
There will be nine watches presented at Innovation and Collaboration, all made in the seventeenth century. The earliest on display, the Ramsay Astronomical Pocket Watch c 1618 is 400 years old, yet shows both its technical complexity and beautiful design. The inside of its case is intricately engraved with James I’s portrait and coat of arms and the dial shows the hour, day, month and current sign of the Zodiac.
One of the imperatives of the exhibition is to broaden awareness of clocks and their place in the world of mechanical art, which is why the support and attendance of internationally celebrated watchmaker, Roger Smith OBE, has been welcomed by the organisers.
Roger Smith said; “As a modern watchmaker, it is important to remember that clocks were the foundation of all the horological advancements which would eventually enable the development of the watch. Time starts with clocks, so no horologist or serious collector can ignore the importance of clocks and pocket-watches in our continued endeavour to accurately measure time. Quite simply, without some of the artefacts on show, modern watchmakers would not be here. As such, I heartily recommend collectors and fans of beautiful mechanical artefacts to open their eyes to the wonders on show here. It’s a fantastic and highly educational opportunity”.
Dates: Monday September 3 – Friday September 14 2018
Times: Weekdays 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Location: Bonhams, 101 New Bond Street, London, W1S 1SR
Admission: Free to enter. For further information please visit the website
ENDS
Dr John C Taylor OBE, one of the exhibition’s contributors, will be available for interview, by prior appointment. High resolution images are available on request.
Media information provided by Famous Publicity. For more information please contact Hetty Smyth at hetty@famouspublicity.com or Tina Fotherby at tina@famouspublicity.com or call 0333 344 2341.