English clock case and furniture designs in the mid-to-late 18th century were strongly influenced by the publication of Thomas Chippendale's book of designs, The Gentleman and Cabinet Maker's Director, published in 1754. The strongest effect was seen in northern English clocks, where the "Lancashire Chippendale" style of case became popular. Carved decoration, moulding profiles, and proportions were lifted wholesale from the Director and applied to clock cases from Birmingham on north to the Scottish borders, most commonly in the western sector of the country. This clock is an early and somewhat restrained example, and in walnut rather than the later almost universal use of mahogany.

Case: Panels of English walnut veneer with a fine flame pattern are used on the trunk door and base. The base uses book-matched veneers, joined in the center for a very nice mirror-image effect. Mouldings and sides of the case are solid walnut, with pine secondary wood in the backboard and parts of the hood. Typically, almost no brass trim is used on the case. The blue panel just below the architectural cornice is eglomisé: glass back-painted in blue and decorated on the front in gold leaf scrollwork. All four fluted pillars on the hood are free-standing. Fluted quarter columns are used on the trunk, and the feet are bold ogee brackets. The patina is second to none, with terrific depth and color. Restorations are limited to feet and finial (correct for the form and the period), and the lower section of the backboard.

Dial: The 13-inch square brass and silvered brass dial has diamond-shaped cross-hatching engraved on the central polished plate, a styling touch limited almost entirely to Liverpool clocks. The corner spandrels (C&W 13, winged cherub) were used in Northern clocks from about 1750-1765. The seconds ring is recessed and silvered and the calendar is in a square aperture at 6:00. Hands are blued steel, with the seconds hand replaced.

Movement: William Lassel's four pillar brass and steel movement is eight days' duration, with anchor recoil escapement and hourly rack striking on a single bell. Weights are lead.

Maker: The clock is signed simply Lassell, Park on the chapter ring. Loomes lists William Lassell as practicing in Toxteth Park, Liverpool from 1758 to 1790, correcting an earlier entry in Baillie of 1770-1807. William succeeded his father Thurston Lassell, a maker of clocks and tools for clockmakers, in business.

Circa 1765
7’ 5½” High
No. 1580

Clock Catalog