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Lot Essay
The Vulliamy clock making dynasty began in London when Justin Vulliamy (1712-1797) emigrated from Switzerland in circa 1730 and formed a partnership with Benjamin Grey, (1676-1764), whose daughter he married. During this partnership the company produced consistently high quality bracket and longcase clocks.
In 1742 Gray was appointed Watchmaker in Ordinary to George II and Vulliamy continued in the role after Gray's death in 1764. The Royal Warrant which Gray held had been extended to the partnership in 1743 and indeed would be held by the next two generations of Vulliamys. The Royal Collection includes clocks by both the partnership and by Justin Vulliamy (see Cedric Jagger, Royal Clocks, Robert Hale Ltd, 1983, pp. 85-90).
In 1742 Gray was appointed Watchmaker in Ordinary to George II and Vulliamy continued in the role after Gray's death in 1764. The Royal Warrant which Gray held had been extended to the partnership in 1743 and indeed would be held by the next two generations of Vulliamys. The Royal Collection includes clocks by both the partnership and by Justin Vulliamy (see Cedric Jagger, Royal Clocks, Robert Hale Ltd, 1983, pp. 85-90).