Researches are being made, and new data are coming to hand which will
assist the student to determine the period of Irish clockmakers'
work. There are some 1,100 names already known of makers, and those
interested await the results of close and painstaking investigation
which will enable the record to be published.
By the kindness of Mr. Dudley Westropp, of the National Museum, Dublin,
the following names are here given, tabulating a few of the leading
Irish makers of the eighteenth century:--
George Aicken (Cork), 1770-95.
A clock by this maker is illustrated (p. 273).
Michael Archdekin (Dublin), 1769-1800.
Joseph Blundell (Dublin), 1703-32 (died).
Thomas Blundell (Dublin), 1733-75 (died).
Timothy Conway (Cork), 1783-1804 (died).
Thomas Coote (Dublin), 1733-47.
Hugh Cunningham (Dublin), 1755-77 (died).
George Furnace (Dublin), 1751-73.
Charles Gillespy (Dublin), 1747-71 (died).
Alexander Gordon (Dublin), 1756-87 (died).
There was an Alexander Gordon at Dundee, 1729. Maker of the first
clock at Brechin Town Hall.
George Graydon (Dublin), 1764-1805 (died).
A clock by this maker is illustrated (p. 269).
Martin Kirkpatrick (Dublin), 1720-69 (died).
John Knox (Belfast), 1729-83.
Frederick May (Dublin), 1770-96.
Thomas Meeking (Dublin), 1682-1709 (died).
John Nelson (Dublin), 1786-1813.
James Pickering (Dublin), 1737-71 (died).
William Ross (Cork), 1764-1817.
Samuel Slocomb (Cork), 1735-50.
Edward Tounley (Dundalk), 1820-24.
Richard Wyatt (Dublin), 1731-55 (died).
These dates do not represent the makers' complete history. Some may
have worked prior to the first date and after the last date, except
when stated as having died then.
In regard to Belfast, the late Isaac W. Ward contributed some notes to
the _Belfast Evening Telegraph_ in 1909 on "Early Belfast Clock and
Watchmakers," which enable some interesting particulars to be given.
In 1791 one Job Rider announced that he had commenced business in
Belfast, "where he makes clocks and watches of all kinds in the common
manner with Harrison's and other modern improvements." It would
appear that he had been to London, where possibly he was apprenticed,
and had visited Dublin and Hillsborough. From 1805 to 1807 he was
in partnership with R. L. Gardner. After 1807 he seems to have been
associated with William Boyd.
[Illustration: MUSICAL CLOCK BY GEORGE AICKEN (CORK).
Date, 1770-95.
Lunette marked "Minuet, March, Jigg, Air, Minuet, Gavot." The indicator
is pointing to "Air." Two subsidiary dials marked "Strike," "Not
Strike," and "Chime," "Not Chime."
(_At National Museum, Dublin._)]
[Illustration: REGULATOR CLOCK. MAHOGANY CASE.
Made to hang from two rings at back of clock. Maker, Sharp (Dublin).
Early nineteenth century, showing French influence.
Height, 3 ft. 5-1/2 in. Width, 10-3/4 in. Base, 11-3/4 in.
(_By courtesy of Messrs. Harris & Sinclair, Dublin._)]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account