John Taylor and watchmaker and author Rebecca Struthers look at the working of the Norfolk Fromanteel clock.
Showcasing items from the celebrated clock collection of John C Taylor, the museum is a free educational website aimed at experienced horologists and newcomers to the field.
The opening was chaired by Laura Young, and speakers included Hayaatun Sillem, CEO of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Rebecca Struthers, author of the book Hands of Time, and Kristin Leith, as well as Taylor himself.
So far Clocktime features 24 clocks and watches, which are animated to show the current time according to the viewer’s location. There are around 250 photographs illustrating various pieces and videos of Taylor introducing key items. Highlights include the Norfolk Fromanteel, 1660, by Ahasuerus Fromanteel, the first grandfather striking clock designed in London, and the Selby Lowndes Tompion.
The Selby Lawndes Tompion was on display for just one day. It is shown here flanked by John Taylor, Kristin Leith and Rebecca Struthers.
New audience
Taylor says: “To take even a selection of my collection for an exhibition in the UK is eye-wateringly expensive, so I wondered how I could reach a new audience in general and inspire younger people in particular.
“I’ve worked with my team to produce an online resource that’s open access for anyone to use and enjoy. My hope is to reignite people’s passion for clocks, watches and their makers.”
Known for his invention of the bi-metallic thermostat, which is present in all electric kettles, Taylor started building up an assortment of early English clocks in the mid- 1970s, and is one of the best-known collectors in the field.
