Matthew Morgan, Bristol – 1765
£8,750.00
A handsome mid-18th century Georgian tavern clock signed Matthew Morgan, Bristol,
The distinctive shield-shaped dial displays gilt Roman numerals with an outer five-minute ring, a format both legible and visually commanding — qualities essential in a public house or commercial interior. The maker’s name is inscribed in flowing gilt script, applied with confidence and positioned prominently above the trunk door.
The trunk is decorated in Chinoiserie, reflecting the fashionable taste for Eastern-inspired ornament prevalent during the third quarter of the 18th century. The case terminates in an ogee-moulded chisel base, providing architectural definition and reinforcing its Georgian character. The shield outline lends the clock a slightly more refined silhouette than the later round-dial tavern types.
Behind the dial is an eight-day weight-driven movement, regulated by a brass pendulum and powered by a lead weight. As is typical of the tavern clock tradition, the construction is robust and practical, intended for reliable and continuous running in a public setting.
Tavern clocks are frequently referred to as “Act of Parliament” clocks, a term derived from the Clock Act of 1797. That Act imposed a tax on domestic clocks and watches but exempted large public clocks installed in inns and public houses for the convenience of customers. As a result, many substantial tavern clocks were installed or retained during this period, and the term has since become loosely applied to the type as a whole — even to examples, such as this one, which pre-date the legislation.
Provincial tavern clocks from centres such as Bristol are encountered far less frequently than their London counterparts, making this a particularly attractive and well-proportioned example of mid-18th century English public clockmaking.
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