Skeleton Clock by Thomas Cowham, Hull, c.1841-1851
This clockâs skeleton is on show. Unlike most clocks, the cogs that make its hands turn arenât covered up. This is why itâs called a skeleton clock. This style of clock became popular in the mid-1800s. It made a decorative feature out of the clock mechanism. This clock was made by Thomas Cowham of Hull. Thomas was a clock and watch maker at 2 Engine Street in 1841 and 4 Engine Street from 1846-1851. Clocks and watches were made in Hull and East Yorkshire from the early 1700s. 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 at first. Many Hull makers made copies of high quality London clocks. By 1820 there were 30 clockmakers in Hull, but there were also new threats to local clock making. By 1800 clock and watch parts were being mass produced in Birmingham. By the 1830s entire clock mechanisms could be bought from Birmingham. This reduced the demand for local clockmakersâ skills. In the 1800s clocks and watches began to be imported on a large scale from France, Germany and America. This destroyed the market for clocks made in Hull. By 1855 Jacobs & Lucas of Hull were advertising âGeneva watches, solely by competent foreign workmen.â Local traders became clock sellers rather than clockmakers, although many could make basic parts and do repairs. Weâll never know which parts of this clock were made in Hull, although the parts would have been put together by Cowham. âCowham Hullâ is inscribed on the clock face, but sometimes clockmakers marked their own name on ready made clock parts. By the date this clock was made, itâs likely that the mechanism was bought ready made, from Birmingham or abroad. Purchased by Hull Museums with assistance from the V&A Purchase Grant Fund.
