Clocking the Clocks Auction houses can be a superb way to see world class timekeepers in a relatively relaxed, although usually reverential setting. The Bonhams New Bond Street location is spectacularly modern, where collectors and enthusiasts are always welcome to see the clocks on viewing days, typically taking place in the days prior to the live sale. Bonhams London stands out, particularly so thanks to the perpetually energetic James Stratton MRICS, director of fine clocks and a renowned expert on all things horological. Bonhams has two fine clock sales annually and the next one takes place on Wednesday 27th November 2024. An historic clock presented by the Royal Thames Yacht Club to the winner of the 1877 Nore to Dover Yacht race is to be sold for the first time in nearly 150 years in the latest sale. It was presented to the owner of the Yacht Corinne, Nicholas Wood MP, a British industrialist. Made in the classical style of Thomas Cole, it is a silver-mounted month duration piece finely engraved with foliate scrolls and roman numerals, and is signed with the line, ‘E W Streeter, 18, New Bond Street, London W.’ The whole is inset in a gilt bronze ship’s wheel featuring eight handles, on a moulded bell top ebonised base. The clock is flanked by an aneroid barometer and a compass, each in a gilt bronze revolving case. For those based outside of London, the weekly Antiques Trades Gazette provides full listings of arts auctions, fairs and markets taking place throughout the UK.
