New Haven Clock Co. Mantel Clock featuring J & J.G. Low Art Tiles mounted in a brass frame. The 'Albatross' Pattern, circa 1880s. EEE-42.

Father and son John and John Gardner Low founded the J & J G Low Art Tile Works in Chelsea, Massachusetts, USA, in 1878. This company specialized in high-relief ceramic tiles for walls and fireplaces. It established a reputation for innovative design. The Low firm received numerous awards from art shows where they exhibited their ceramics. The company's name was changed in 1883 when John G's son replaced his grandfather, who had retired. The business was successful in combining mass-production technology with artistic designs. Both Low and Arthur Osborne are credited with designing the tiles. British sculptor Arthur Osborne immigrated to the United States from London in 1878. He graduated from London's School of Design at South Kensington and became the Chief Designer from 1879 until the late 1890s. Unlike most tiles of the period, which were printed in two-dimensional designs or glazed, Low Company was known for modeled tiles with decoration in relief. Their tiles were readily available from lavishly illustrated catalogs published by the firm beginning in 1881.

Arthur Osborne likely designed the tiles used in this New Haven mantel clock. Osbourne is credited with most of the Low tile designs. This shelf clock model was produced in a range of rich and beautiful glazes – olive green in this example – but also deep blue, red, and mustard yellow. Another Low artist who must be credited for these glazes is George W. Robertson. Robertson, like John Gardner Low, had previously worked at the American art pottery firm Chelsea Keramic Art Works. The mantel clock's cohesive design, combining ceramic and brass elements and incorporating classical-themed motifs from nature, and the putti contribute to its aesthetic success.

The clock was made by the New Haven Clock Company in New Haven, Connecticut, and was offered in their 1885 catalogs for $55.00. These clocks were made at the tail end of the Victorian period, as some clock designs were moving more toward the Art Nouveau look. New Haven made the eight-day spring wound mechanism and the dial. The mechanism strikes the hour and the half-hour on a Cathedral coil gong. The porcelain dial is sunk in the center to make room for the outside escapement. The tiles are supported by a richly molded cast brass frame that is decorated in a Japanese theme, adding to the historical significance of this piece.

This mantel clock measures approximately 12 inches in height, 9.75 inches in width, and 6 inches in depth; this mantel clock is a substantial yet elegant addition to any collection.

Inventory number EEE-42.