Tags
Attingham Park, Butler, Clocks, conservation, Fine art, history, Horology, Mansion, National Trust
When I first started here, it was an unexpected but pleasant surprise to find that my training included learning how to wind the historic clocks. The clocks, dotted around the house, are pretty amazing.
'Bubbles'
This clock, affectionately known as ‘Bubbles’ (as it depicts two cherubs blowing bubbles), is located in the Sultana room. It is a French eight-day mantel clock from around 1830 – meaning that it needs winding every eight days otherwise the movement will wind down and stop.
A Lesage mantel clock c.1820, protected by a glass dome.
As most of the clocks are eight-day clocks, winding takes place once a week. They are wound on the same day each week, ideally at the same time. We record any changes, and how well the clock is keeping time (how much time has been gained or lost since last week).
Caroline winding the clock in the dining room
Caroline winding the longcase clock in the Servants Hall
Clocks were created in the late 13th century in European monasteries, and started to appear in large private houses in the late 15th century. They were symbols of wealth and learning. The Golden age for English clock making began in the 17th century when the pendulum was introduced, meaning that clocks were more accurate, and so the running of the house was more precise.
And now I shall leave you with a sneak peek into the developing Butler’s Pantry – with just under a month to go until it opens!
The Butler's Pantry
Dear Caroline:
Found your site via Emile at National Trust Treasure Hunt and what fun! Love these sorts of details, but I was curious how many clocks are there throughout the house, and how long does this task take to complete? A small, but absolutely necessary task, and yet most visitors to homes with antique clocks would likely not think of it (admittedly, myself included) unless the docent mentions it. Keep up the great work! Kind regards & warm blessings!
Margaret McAvoy
Hi Margaret
Glad you like our blog! We have 18 clocks in our collection – some are on show and some are in store. Not all of them work and we have them serviced annually. We also have a couple of clocks that are not in the collection, but have been brought in to furnish basement areas (our Kitchen one was made for us). It takes just over an hour to wind all the clocks properly and create the necessary records. If you want to have a look at our clocks you can go to http://www.nationaltrustcollections.org.uk where you can have a look at Attingham’s (and other properties) Horology collections.
Best Wishes
Helen (on behalf of Caroline and Georgina)
Apologies! Just realized that I should have addressed previous comment to either Andy or Georgina!
Kind regards:
Margaret