This clock, which entered the collection of The British Museum in 1980, was commissioned by W.J. Bassett-Lowke for the furnishing of 78 Derngate. Designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, it was made to match his interior scheme for the Guest Bedroom.
The case is made from oak covered with a veneer of black stencilled checkerboard decoration. The clock face is made up of from sixteen square ’tiles’ of mother-of-pearl with four inlaid squares of ivory at the corners. It has a brass surround and is protected by a hinged glass cover which can be opened to allow winding of the movement. Inset are numerals in black stained wood and there are two blue painted metal hands. Beneath the face is set an oblong mirror. At the back are two doors, one gives access to the clock and the other to the pendulum below. The movement is late c.19th and French made. Above the 12 on the dial is a small brass crescent used to to adjust the speed of the movement.
The British Museum catalogue dates the production of the clock to 1919.
Research carried out during the restoration of 78 Derngate in 2002-3 indicates that the Guest Bedroom interior and furniture dates from 1916-17 like the other Mackintosh-designed interiors in the house. This calls into question the 1919 production date for the clock which may in fact originate from the earlier date.
A model of the clock was produced in 2013 and has been displayed at 78 Derngate in the restored Guest Bedroom since then.
Image reproduced by kind permission of and is ©The British Museum.
Clicking on the museum number link below will take you to the V&A website where further information may be available. All enquiries about usage of this image, access to the original work and information should be directed to The Victoria & Albert Museum.
Place of Origin: Isle of Man (probably, made)
Date: 1916 (made)
Artist/Maker: Mackintosh, Charles Rennie, born 1868 – died 1928 (designer)
Materials and Techniques: Painted wood, with cane seat.
Museum number: W.7:1-1970
Image used with the kind permission of The British Museum.
All enquiries about usage of this image, access to the original work and information should be directed to The British Museum.
Place of Origin: Isle of Man (probably, made)
Date: 1916 (made)
Artist/Maker: Mackintosh, Charles Rennie, born 1868 – died 1928 (designer)
Materials and Techniques: Painted wood, with cane seat.