Lot Essay
James Markwick jr. became free of the Clockmakers' Company in 1692 and died in 1730. His father's business succeeded that of Samuel Betts, one of the great early clockmaking pioneers. Markwick jr. became Master in 1720 and went into partnership with his brother-in-law Robert Markham who succeeded him in the business and carried on trading under the name Markwick Markham. Towards the end of the 18th. century the company made a large number of clocks and watches for the Turkish and Chinese markets. In fact the business was so successful that their name became synonymous with this type of clock.
Over a period of time the company associated themselves with a number of other clockmakers; Henry Borrell, 1794-1840, seems to have had a fruitful relaionship with the company which is listed as ending in 1813.
The Turkish market for English clockmaking was highly lucrative. In general the emphasis was on decorative timepieces both for clocks and watches but very few precision clocks made for this market are known to exist. The present clock, designed in the high Regency style for the period, has exceptional proportions and an exquisite white enamel dial. The latter is retained by a florally painted band around the edge which is the only tantalising flamboyant concession the present clock gives to its otherwise conservative and precise appearance.
Over a period of time the company associated themselves with a number of other clockmakers; Henry Borrell, 1794-1840, seems to have had a fruitful relaionship with the company which is listed as ending in 1813.
The Turkish market for English clockmaking was highly lucrative. In general the emphasis was on decorative timepieces both for clocks and watches but very few precision clocks made for this market are known to exist. The present clock, designed in the high Regency style for the period, has exceptional proportions and an exquisite white enamel dial. The latter is retained by a florally painted band around the edge which is the only tantalising flamboyant concession the present clock gives to its otherwise conservative and precise appearance.