Smith Art Gallery & Museum | Details | Robert Williamson long case clock

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Actions Displays	Robert Williamson long case clock Remove from selection Add to selection Reproduction Download mediaDownload as zip file Object number20905 TitleRobert Williamson long case clock Creator Robert Williamson (maker)‎ DescriptionThis longcase clock was made in the first half of the 19th century by Robert Williamson of Falkirk. It would have made an elegant addition to any fashionable household: the delicately painted images on the clock face are complemented by the dark, rich wooden case. 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. Appearances can be deceptive, and this solid, dependable clock has a rare story to tell. It was owned by the Mitchell family who farmed in the Plean area, to the east of Stirling. Like many Scots, they emigrated to Canada in the 19th century, sailing from Greenock on the west coast. The family left their baby daughter with relatives in the town while they stowed their luggage – and the clock – on board. With the wind in his favour, the captain set sail earlier than planned. At a time when travel and communication were slow and costly, the family had to wait 18 long years to be reunited with their daughter. The clock, meanwhile, continued its travels. Having survived its journey on the high seas, it was then dragged by sledge across Canada with the family, its case sometimes serving as a cradle for later children. Having been returned to Scotland in the 20th century, we hope its adventures are now over as it rests in our collection. DescriptionLong case clock by R Williamson of Falkirk Production date 1818 - 1841 Object nameClock, Long case clock Horology, social history MaterialWood Dimensions whole Height: 2200 mm whole Width: 470 mm whole Depth: 250 mm

Reproduction

Download mediaDownload as zip file

Object number20905

TitleRobert Williamson long case clock

DescriptionThis longcase clock was made in the first half of the 19th century by Robert Williamson of Falkirk. It would have made an elegant addition to any fashionable household: the delicately painted images on the clock face are complemented by the dark, rich wooden case. 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. Appearances can be deceptive, and this solid, dependable clock has a rare story to tell. It was owned by the Mitchell family who farmed in the Plean area, to the east of Stirling. Like many Scots, they emigrated to Canada in the 19th century, sailing from Greenock on the west coast. The family left their baby daughter with relatives in the town while they stowed their luggage – and the clock – on board. With the wind in his favour, the captain set sail earlier than planned. At a time when travel and communication were slow and costly, the family had to wait 18 long years to be reunited with their daughter. The clock, meanwhile, continued its travels. Having survived its journey on the high seas, it was then dragged by sledge across Canada with the family, its case sometimes serving as a cradle for later children. Having been returned to Scotland in the 20th century, we hope its adventures are now over as it rests in our collection.

DescriptionLong case clock by R Williamson of Falkirk

Production date 1818 - 1841

Object nameClock, Long case clock

Horology, social history

MaterialWood

Dimensions

whole Height: 2200 mm
whole Width: 470 mm
whole Depth: 250 mm