John Taylor London. An architectural style London Tall Clock in mahogany with gilt decorations. VV-132.

This architectural style London Tall Clock features a brass composite dial signed by the London Clockmaker, John Taylor. The Taylor name is a common in the clockmaker's world. Numerous John Taylors are listed as working in the capital city. Based on the dial format, this fine example was made circa 1775.

This architectural style London Tall Clock features a brass composite dial signed by the London Clockmaker, John Taylor. The Taylor name is a common in the clockmaker's world. Numerous John Taylors are listed as working in the capital city. Based on the dial format, this fine example was made circa 1775.This architectural style London Tall Clock features a brass composite dial signed by the London Clockmaker, John Taylor. The Taylor name is a common in the clockmaker's world. Numerous John Taylors are listed as working in the capital city. Based on the dial format, this fine example was made circa 1775.This case is constructed in mahogany and features a deep, rich color and an older refinished surface. A number of the decorative wooden elements are finished in black. A plethora of decorative brass mounts are also applied to the cabinet. The case form is very unusual. It stands on four turned feet. The base is a canted form. A recessed-panel is centered on each side. Brass rope framing and applied medallions help decorate this detail. The front panel features a casting of a classically dressed angle. Her wings are nearly as long as she is. She is playing a horn held in her right hand. Her left hand is extended upwards, and she is holding a wreath above her head. The base section is capped at the top. A Doric-style fluted column extends upwards from this point and is tapered outward. At the top are two carved corbels and a fluted design. This door provides access to the two drive weights and the pendulum. The hood lowers onto the upper waist molding. The arch molding is shaped and decorated with vertical reeding. The upper part of the hood is boxed at the top. The arched bonnet door is fitted with glass. The interior edge is framed with a brass design. This door opens to access the dial.

This dial features applied decorative details. The applied cast spandrels feature a rococo theme. A STIKE/SILENT indicator is located in the arch of the dial. The graphics are engraved on a circular disk. All engraved decoration is filled with black wax, and then the dial surface is treated with a silver wash. The silver wash adheres to the brass and not to the wax. This process creates a contrast in the details. The black steel hands also show up well against the silver background. This feature allows one to turn off the striking portion of the clock if so desired by manually turning the steel pointer. The time information is engraved on the large brass disk. This is also treated with a silver wash. The five-minute makers, located on the outside of the time ring, are displayed in Arabic form. A closed minute ring separates them from the Roman-style hour numerals. Inside this is the calendar day display. The engraved brass arrow pointer indicates the date. The hour and minute hands are steel and wonderfully shaped. This clock is signed in a flowing script format by the clockmaker. It reads, "John Taylor / London."

The case dimensions are as follows: The height is 85 inches tall. The width, measured at the base, is 17 inches and 11 inches deep.

This clock was made circa 1775.

Inventory number VV-132.