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Lot Essay
COMPARATIVE LITERATURE
Derek Roberts, British Skeleton Clocks, Antique Collectors' Club, 1987, pp.99-113
James Condliff first set up in business at 32 Gerard Street, Liverpool, in 1816. The Industrial Revolution had ensured that large numbers of workers were involved in watchmaking in the city and it is against this background that Condliff's business expanded to become one of the most successful in the country, particularly renowned for skeleton clocks and regulators.
Between 1816-1827 Condliff had premises in Gerard Street, Circus Street and Fraser Street. After 1827 he was joined by Joseph Condliff and they continued to work at Fraser Street (probably the workshops) and also in Clare Street. In 1846 a branch of the business opened in Everton under Jospeh's name and that year also John Condliff appears, at premises at Mount Vernon. The last Condliff in the business was Thomas who is recorded as working between 1867-1914, whilst the last mention of James dates to 1884, although it is likely that he had retired by 1862. Derek Roberts (op. cit) divides Condliff's skeleton clocks into three series: first (1825-50); second (1850-c.1870); third (1855-1860). The present clock belongs to the second series and is distinguished by its delicate scroll frame and balance escapement (although a pendulum is used occasionally). Although these clocks follow the same basic design there are often minor differences; compare, for example, the present clock with the one illustrated in Roberts (plate 17), with its simpler rosewood base. Although such differences could be expensive they help to give each clock a greater individuality.
The two-train second series skeleton clocks are arguably the most elegant of those produced by Condliff. The symmetry of the scroll frame is most appealing whilst the visibly oscillating balance wheel with helical spring - possibly a reference to Liverpool's chronometer makers - fits perfectly into their curves. It is for such subtleties of design that James Condliff is justly recognised as one of, if not the, finest Victorian skeleton clock makers.
For a more detailed discussion of the Condliff family see Derek Roberts op. cit pp.99-113.
Derek Roberts, British Skeleton Clocks, Antique Collectors' Club, 1987, pp.99-113
James Condliff first set up in business at 32 Gerard Street, Liverpool, in 1816. The Industrial Revolution had ensured that large numbers of workers were involved in watchmaking in the city and it is against this background that Condliff's business expanded to become one of the most successful in the country, particularly renowned for skeleton clocks and regulators.
Between 1816-1827 Condliff had premises in Gerard Street, Circus Street and Fraser Street. After 1827 he was joined by Joseph Condliff and they continued to work at Fraser Street (probably the workshops) and also in Clare Street. In 1846 a branch of the business opened in Everton under Jospeh's name and that year also John Condliff appears, at premises at Mount Vernon. The last Condliff in the business was Thomas who is recorded as working between 1867-1914, whilst the last mention of James dates to 1884, although it is likely that he had retired by 1862. Derek Roberts (op. cit) divides Condliff's skeleton clocks into three series: first (1825-50); second (1850-c.1870); third (1855-1860). The present clock belongs to the second series and is distinguished by its delicate scroll frame and balance escapement (although a pendulum is used occasionally). Although these clocks follow the same basic design there are often minor differences; compare, for example, the present clock with the one illustrated in Roberts (plate 17), with its simpler rosewood base. Although such differences could be expensive they help to give each clock a greater individuality.
The two-train second series skeleton clocks are arguably the most elegant of those produced by Condliff. The symmetry of the scroll frame is most appealing whilst the visibly oscillating balance wheel with helical spring - possibly a reference to Liverpool's chronometer makers - fits perfectly into their curves. It is for such subtleties of design that James Condliff is justly recognised as one of, if not the, finest Victorian skeleton clock makers.
For a more detailed discussion of the Condliff family see Derek Roberts op. cit pp.99-113.