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An ormolu mantel clock for Frederick, Prince of Wales

Charles Clay, Peter Dutens, 1736

The society jeweller Peter Dutens supplied this highly decorated rococo mantel clock to Frederick, Prince of Wales in 1736. The bill, preserved in the Duchy of Cornwall Archives, records the cost as 61 pounds and two shillings. The ormolu case, imported from Paris by Dutens at a cost of 11 guineas, houses a movement signed by the renowned royal clockmaker Charles Clay. Clay, who was born in Yorkshire, was appointed clockmaker to His MajestyÂ’s Board of Works in 1723 and is best remembered for his musical timepieces, including the monumental organ clock in the Royal Collection. Clay designed the innovative clock dial to show the days, months and signs of the zodiac. This enamelled dial was the most expensive part of the clock, for which Dutens paid 20 guineas. The gold sun at the centre of the dial cost four guineas, and the friezes on the case and glass cost two guineas. Dutens paid Clay 18 guineas for the movement itself. Such complete documentation is rare for a clock assembled in England at this date. The rococo case is surmounted by an eagle defeating a winged dragon, and the dial is framed by shells, flowers and scrolls.

More information

Title of artwork, date

An ormolu mantel clock for Frederick, Prince of Wales, 1736

Date supported

2016

Medium and material

Ormolu, enamel and brass

Dimensions

39.5cm

Grant

82500

Total cost

165000

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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