WALL CLOCK, 'Act of Parliament'

[.1] clock
[.2] key
Commonly known as an 'ACT OF PARLIAMENT' clock but also know as 'Tavern' clocks (Bruton 1974:53 & Baillie et al 1973:153-4) and 'Hall' or 'Library' clocks (Smith 1979:12). They were made to hang on a wall & generally had a very large face with bold lettering and a short trunk enclosing the weight and pendulum. They were often painted black with gilded lettering and chinoiserie ornamentation. Generally made for inns from the mid C18th. The name derives from an Act of Parliament of 1797 which imposed a duty on clocks and watches. The Act was repealed in 1798. This clock fits the general descriptions. It is painted black with a 12 hour clock - hours recorded in bold gold Roman numerals and minutes surrounding hours in Arabic. Gilded chinoiserie decoration on trunk. On bottom of clock face: "S.K. BARRETT \ LONDON". Mr Jukes purchased the clock for $200 25-30 years ago from Mr John Clare, 51 Mount Street, Perth. Mr Clare bought it in an antique shop in Sturminster-Newton, Dorset in the early 1950s for 50 pounds sterling. He brought it to Australia but never put it to use.

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History Collection

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