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Lot Essay
The richly figured blue john body and ormolu mounts on this elegant clock relate to the work of Matthew Boulton (d. 1802) who established his manufactory in Soho, Birmingham and began his celebrated partnership with John Fothergill (d. 1782) in 1762.
George III and Queen Charlotte were among their many illustrious patrons and Boulton also sought clients abroad. He entertained foreign ambassadors at his Soho premises and had an established network of agents abroad to introduce his work to the Royal Courts in Europe.
Boulton's extensive export business created a wide and receptive audience for his designs which were almost certainly the inspiration for this elegant clock. A pair of closely related ormolu-mounted porphyry vases and covers on identical bases were sold anonymously, Sotheby's, Monaco, 26-27 February 1992, lot 218. A porphyry clock of the same form with an identical swag draped base supported by turtles was sold anonymously, Christie's, Paris, 1 June 2005 lot 228.
George III and Queen Charlotte were among their many illustrious patrons and Boulton also sought clients abroad. He entertained foreign ambassadors at his Soho premises and had an established network of agents abroad to introduce his work to the Royal Courts in Europe.
Boulton's extensive export business created a wide and receptive audience for his designs which were almost certainly the inspiration for this elegant clock. A pair of closely related ormolu-mounted porphyry vases and covers on identical bases were sold anonymously, Sotheby's, Monaco, 26-27 February 1992, lot 218. A porphyry clock of the same form with an identical swag draped base supported by turtles was sold anonymously, Christie's, Paris, 1 June 2005 lot 228.