Clock, bracket clock

This bracket clock was made by Thomas Tompion, the foremost English clockmaker of the period. Tompion established his business in London in around 1671 and was made a Freeman of the Clockmakers' Company in 1674. A major innovator in his field, Tompion conducted scientific experiments in collaboration with Robert Hooke of the Royal Society and the mathematician Sir Jonas Moore. Tompion produced some of the first balance spring watches, which allowed for far greater accuracy in timekeeping. By the 1690s Tompion was a rich man with a large workshop at the corner of Water Lane and Fleet Street. Tompion clocks would have sold for up to £10. His wealthy clients included Charles II, William III, Queen Anne, members of the aristocracy and London merchants.

Bracket clocks with eight day movements like this one were some of Tompion's best selling stock items. They were usually used in the bedroom. This one is an example of his best quality craftsmanship. Tompion recorded serial numbers on his products. This one is marked with the number 204, which means that it was made after 1690. The London Chamber of Commerce presented this clock to George V and Queen Mary on the occasion of their Silver Jubilee in 1935. Queen Mary kept the clock at her London home, Marlborough House, after George V's death in 1936.