Bracket Clock by John Baker, Hull, c.1760
This is one of the earliest surviving examples of a clock made in Hull. It is a bracket clock, which was a clock made to stand on a table or mantelpiece. The four brass decorations on top of the clock are called finials. These finials are shaped like pineapples. Many finials were removed from their clocks and given to the Government in the early 1940s. They were melted down and used to make weapons for the Second World War. Clocks and watches were made in Hull from the early 1700s. Hull had no clockmakersâ guild to regulate and record the trade, so itâs difficult to find out about local clock making. Information 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 local craftsmen had the skills to make all of these parts. Other âclockmakersâ bought ready made parts and marked their name on the 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 Hull makers made copies of high quality London clocks, or they made cheaper cases, depending on their customerâs budget. Bracket clocks have short pendulums and mechanisms driven by steel springs. Most people couldnât afford bracket clocks, as the steel springs were very expensive to make. Most bracket clocks, like this one, have a handle on top. This allowed the clock to be carried into the bedroom at night. This clock also has a cord called a âpull repeatâ, which makes the clock chime the last hour when pulled. This was a useful way of finding out the approximate time in the dark without having to light a candle. Purchased by Hull Museums with assistance from the V&A Purchase Grant Fund.
