Overton Clocks of Chesterfield

Description

This absolutely sublime flame mahogany Scottish Longcase clock by David Wilson of Beith ( 1837-1860) From 1845 until the 1980s, Beith had the honour of being the most important furniture-manufacturing town in Scotland with a reputation for high-quality furniture. The origins of the industry can be traced back to Mathew Dale who started by making hand-built furniture for local people in 1845. A former employee of Dale, Matthew Pollock progressed the manufacturing by introducing machinery in a factory setting 3 miles (5 kilometres) outside of the town at Beith North railway station. After approximately twelve years, Pollock and his brothers sold the factory to Robert Balfour, and moved into the town to expand their business. Balfour suffered the same problems as the Pollock Brothers in being unable to attract employees from the town willing to walk the 3 miles (5 kilometres) to work. In 1872, he built a factory near the Beith Town railway station and persuaded the railway company to build a siding to allow easy transportation of raw materials and finished products. Little is known of David Wilson but the very high quality displayed in the case suggests that it was made in the town. As with most Scottish clock of this time, the beautifully painted dial is “oversized” compared with their English counterparts but the quality of the painting is simply outstanding. Depicting the four seasons in each quadrant and the scene of Robert Burn’s Cotters Saturday Night, A "Cotter" in Burns's time was a poor peasant who was given the use of a Cot or Cottage by the property owner in exchange for labour as opposed to paying rent. This poem relates how the Cotter and his family take time to relax on a Saturday evening after their week's labour, knowing that Sunday is a day of rest. The eldest daughter, Jenny, who has by now left home calls with her new boyfriend and the family eat their peasant meal and join round the fireside to hear the father read from the bible. This clock has to be seen in the flesh to fully appreciate the fluid mahogany that you could almost put your hand in
With over twenty five years experience in restoring and conserving clocks and working on some of the finest and complicated clocks for a select group of the best antique clock dealers in the country.
As well as this, Overton Clocks has now decided to offer our customers the opportunity to purchase fine antique clocks that have been personally selected for their unique or special features. Each clock has been expertly restored to the highest of standards by myself. Overton clocks ensures peace of mind in your investment, by personally offering three years warranty on all of our timepieces.
I am a master clockmaker, a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers and a member of the British watch and clockmakers guild. Overton Clocks is a traditional clock shop based in the heart of Derbyshire hosting a large showroom and in-house fully equipped workshop.
For case studies and examples of our work, please see our website (overtonclock.co.uk) or find us on Facebook ( overtonclocks) for regular updates
With over twenty years experience in restoring and conserving clocks and working on some of the finest and complicated clocks for a select group of the best antique clock dealers in the country.
As well as this, Overton Clocks has now decided to offer our customers the opportunity to purchase fine antique clocks that have been personally selected for their unique or special features. Each clock has been expertly restored to the highest of standards by myself. Overton clocks ensures peace of mind in your investment, by personally offering three years warranty on all of our timepieces.
I am a master clockmaker, a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers and a member of the British watch and clockmakers guild. Overton Clocks is a traditional clock shop based in the heart of Chesterfield on two floors hosting a showroom and in-house fully equipped workshop.
For case studies and examples of our work, please see our website (overtonclock.co.uk) or find us on Facebook ( overtonclocks) for regular updates