Longcase clock by Robert Holborn, South Cave, East Yorkshire, c.1765
What makes this clock special are the pictures decorating its case. Tiny pieces of wood from different types of tree have been used to create them. Each different wood has its own colour and grain. The pieces have been arranged to make pictures of flowers and an urn.
This clock was made by Robert Holborn of South Cave, near Hull. The record of his daughter Sarahâs birth in 1755 tells us he was a joiner (carpenter) and clockmaker.
Records also show that a man called Robert Holborn was working as a watchmaker in Sheffield in 1790. When he voted in Sheffield in 1807, he said he owned property in South Cave. It is likely that the two Robert Holborns are the same man.
Clocks and watches were made in Hull and East Yorkshire from the early 1700s. There was no local clockmakersâ guild to regulate and record the trade, so itâs difficult to find out about clock making. Information about the craft comes from surviving examples, newspapers and trade directories. Trade directories were a kind of old fashioned Yellow Pages.
The parts needed to make a clock are the dial, movements (the mechanism that tells the time) and case. Some âclockmakersâ bought ready made parts, especially cases, and put them together. More skilled clockmakers made everything themselves. Robert Holbornâs joinery experience would have given him the skills to make a complete clock.
Local demand for clocks supported several makers. In the 1700s there were around six clockmakers in Hull at any one time. Local clockmakers were influenced by London styles. Many made copies of high quality London clocks, or they made cheaper cases, depending on their customerâs budget.
Purchased by Hull Museums with assistance from the V&A Purchase Grant Fund.
