George Harvey long case clock
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Object number19960
TitleGeorge Harvey long case clock
Creator George. Sir. Harvey (clockmaker)
DescriptionThis beautiful longcase clock was made in 1820 by George Harvey (1771-1835). His father had wanted him to become a minister of the Church, but Harvey had his sights set on a less spiritual, more mechanical occupation – clockmaking.
After completing a seven-year apprenticeship in St Ninian’s, he moved to Stirling, where he set up shop in Baker Street. Harvey was soon appointed to the post of Keeper of the Town’s Clocks, for which he was paid £10 10s each year. At a time when few people owned clocks or watches, this was an important role.
This clock would have made an elegant addition to any fashionable household at the time. The delicately painted images on the clock face are complemented by the dark, rich wooden case. Four figures of the Arts, representing music, literature, painting and sculpture, feature in each corner. As well as the main dial which tells the hour and the minutes, there are smaller ones which indicate the seconds and the day of the month.
It is possible that the painted scenes were undertaken by Harvey’s son George. He left Stirling to take up art in Edinburgh, training at the Trustees Academy. He exhibited annually at the Royal Scottish Academy and went on to become its president in 1864.
Longcase clocks take their name from the long wooden case in which the pendulums are housed. Skilled clockmakers would have made everything themselves, but it was also common for a maker to buy some parts ready-made, and then put the clock together in their own workshop.
DescriptionGrandfather Clock, Signed Geo Harvey on dial, 4 figures of the Arts (sculpture, Painting, Music, Literature) possibly painted by Sir George Harvey when 14. Restored 1998 by Charles Allan, Stirling. Restored 1958 by W Dougall, Kippen, National Fund for Acqusitions assisted purchase-£1250.
Production placeStirling
Production date 1820
Object nameClock, Long case clock
TechniqueManufactured