The Art of the Painted Clock Dial


Author: Francis Tennant

352 pages, 730 illustrations including 517 in colour

In 1772 a different type of clock dial made of painted iron was announced to replace the traditional engraved brass dial, and a new industry was born that flourished for over a century. This book charts the rise of painted dials and the dialmakers who worked in Birmingham and elsewhere, with particular emphasis on the development of the various artistic styles that were in fashion at different times.

Introductory chapters discuss the development of painted elements on brass dials and the themes on various types of painted dials. Subsequent chapters deal with the major Birmingham dialmakers as well as smaller concerns, together with the various factors and merchants who sold dials under their own brand name, but made by others. The different artistic styles found on dials made in the lesser centres of production, such as Manchester, Halifax and Scotland, are also considered.

Throughout this book the different styles of artwork and graphics that distinguish the dials made by various manufacturers are discussed and illustrated. The birds, flowers or moon faces painted by the anonymous artists working for different dialmakers can often be identified with a particular manufactory. These dial styles, and especially the graphics, provide important evidence that often enables a clock to be dated to within a few years.

This important new book brings a unique British folk art to a wide audience and it will not only be an essential reference work for horologists and collectors, but introduces the subject to those interested in the history of a form of commercial art found in many houses and cottages from the eighteenth century to the present day. Painted clock dials range from sophisticated high-quality artwork, sometimes specially commissioned, to simple naïve painting to satisfy a mass market. After a long period of being ignored by collectors, it is now appreciated that painted dials are an essential part of horological history and development.

The author draws on many years of restoring, documenting and researching painted clock dials and compiling the largest library of photographs, to present the most detailed study to date. The Art of the Painted Clock Dial includes 730 illustrations, almost 520 of them in colour.