New exhibit - Fromanteel Pendulum Box Clock It’s been an exceedingly busy summer for our curator Dr Kristin Leith, who has selected and added three spectacular new timekeepers to the digital museum display. What a rich feast we have to enjoy! This early three-day, hour-striking Fromanteel Pendulum Box Clock is among the first of its kind produced in Britain. Ahasuerus Fromanteel was one of the most pioneering, creative clockmakers in horological history, ushering in a technological sea change in clockmaking. The innovations of Fromanteel revolutionised the London clockmaking market, which soon achieved worldwide renown. The new elements demonstrated within this timekeeper include use of Huygens’ domestic pendulum clock technology, the earliest known example of clock with a third wheel and pinion, its lack of fusee and the pivoted verge escapement. It’s also highly unusual having two trains - going and striking - both mounted vertically, with the bell at the base. It also has a short bob pendulum. It has a new gilt dial with a matted centre and charming floral spandrels when cherubs were more typical. Enjoy the video where Dr John C Taylor demonstrates how the clock workings can be revealed, so that friends could be shown how it works! You may view the entire exhibit here.
