Clock, pendulum wall clock

This clock previously hung in the workshop of the watchcase maker Richard Oliver (1904-89). Richard was the 4th generation of his family to be apprenticed as a watchcasemaker when he joined the family business at 31 Wynyatt St. Clerkenwell in 1920. The date on the clock, 1845, indicates, however, it was previously used by Richard's Grandfather Richard James Oliver who, that same year, had established his watchcase business at Galway Street, St Lukes, Clerkenwell and presumably proudly hung the clock in his workshop to commemorate the move to new premises. Richard James Oliver continued in business at Galway Street until 1876 when he moved, with the clock to 1 Northampton Square, Clerkenwell, and then in 1895 to 31 Wynyatt Street, Clerkenwell. From 1903 the business was carried on by his son Albert Thomas Oliver, where Richard joined his Father in 1920. The final move of the business was to 25 Spencer Street, Clerkenwell. In 1971 Islington Council compulsorily purchased this property as part of its redevelopment and modernisation programme and Richard transferred his workshop to his home at Woodford Green until his retirement.
The Olivers were part of an exclusive group of skilled craftspeople involved in the production of high quality watches sold in London's West End luxury stores. Largely based in the Clerkenwell area of north London throughout the 19th and 20th century watchmakers were skilled in very specific areas of the production process. As one watchmaker completed their specialism they passed the incomplete watch to their neighbours specialising in other areas until the watch was finished and ready to be transferrred to West End customers.
Watchmakers and watchcasemakers often worked in cramped workshops with poor light, surrounded by a range of tools. The conditions they worked in were far removed from the luxury shops and wealthy customers that commissioned their work. But the subdivision of tasks amongst up to 20 specialists ensured London's watch and watchcase makers were respected and admired as some of the most skilled craftspeople in the world.