Clocking the Clocks Antique clock specialist, Tobias Birch is showing 20 examples of Vulliamy clocks at the Cotswold Art & Antiques (CADA) Fair, taking place at Chelsea Old Town Hall, King’s Road, Chelsea from Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd March. This is a rare opportunity to discover an heirloom in the form of a longcase, wall or mantel clock in a wooden or marble case. Alongside clocks you will find a tempting array of period furniture, paintings, glass, sculpture, silver, ceramics, textiles, jewellery and other works of art, all vetted for quality and authenticity. Clocktime News readers can obtain tickets directly from Tobias Birch by emailing here. From the period 1753-1854, the Vulliamy firm was based in renowned Pall Mall, London, close to the Royal palaces, who were served by the family business for four generations. Watches, scientific instruments and even pedometers were produced, as well as distinctive clocks. The Vulliamy business took advantage of London’s fast growth in the 1800s, producing clocks for government departments, clubs and institutions who were keen to display their appreciation of innovation and run events to accurate time. Interestingly, many pieces have insignias and royal monograms on their dials, having been commissioned for a specific high-status government department. During the rebuilding of the Palace of Westminster, following a fire in 1834, over 30 Vulliamy clocks were placed in the new buildings. Many will know the significance of Benjamin Lewis Vulliamy who acted as Master of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers for a record-beating five times, promoting British clockmaking in the 19th century during a period that saw a flood of imports. Benjamin donated many items to the then fledgling Clockmakers’ Company. Items can be seen on display at the Clockmakers’ Museum in the Science Museum, South Kensington, that runs until 2nd November 2025. For further information, read this insightful article by the museum’s curator, Anna Rolls.
