Tall clock

John Townsend|William Tomlinson

1789 · Mahogany, cherry, chestnut, oak · The American Wing

This clock case is eloquent testimony that John Townsend's later block-and-shell pieces were among his most masterful achievements. It is also the only signed Townsend piece with stop-fluted quarter columns and its original reeded-urn finials. The clock movement and dial are by William Tomlinson of London (active 1733). William Claggett's death in 1749 left Newport without a master clockmaker, so it is not surprising that some of the finest tall clock cases made there house movements by English makers. In his will, Townsend left his son, John, his own clock "made by Storr of London" (Marmaduke Storr, active 1755-79).

Artist

John Townsend|William Tomlinson

Date

1789

Medium

Mahogany, cherry, chestnut, oak

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1927