| Method | Lithograph |
| Artist | [Anonymous] |
| Published | Hackett, Lithog, Exeter, 1833. |
| Dimensions | Image 430 x 350 mm, Sheet 515 x 370 mm |
| Notes |
Inscription below image: 'The above drawing is the representation of a most extraordinary and Magnificent clock. The World is indebted for this wonderful production of ingenuity, perseverance, and mechanical skill, to Jacob Lovelace, born in the City of Exeter 15th March 1656, who, to the disgrace of the age ended his days in great poverty, in that City 1st April 1716, aged 58 years; having been 34 years in completing it. This beautiful specimen of Mechanism is enclosed in an elegant Cabinet 10 feet high, 5 feet wide, and weighing half a ton, ornamented with Oriental figures, and finely executed paintings, bordered by richly gilded carved fret work. The Movements are, 1st, _A Moving Panorma, descriptive of Day & Night. _Day is beautifully represented by Apollo in his Car drawn by four spirited Coursers, accompanied by the 12 hours._ and Diana in her car drawn by stags attended by the 12 hours, represents Night. 2nd,_. Two gilt figures in Roman costume, who turn their heads & salute with their swords as the Panorama revolves, & also move in the same manner while the Bells are ringing. _3rd,_ A Perpetual Almanack, shewing the Day of the Month on a semicircular plate, the Index returning to the 1st, day of every Month on the close of each Month, without alteration even in Leap Years, regulated only once in 130 years. 4th._ A Circle, the Index of which shews the Day of the Week with it's appropriate Planet. 5th,_ A Perpetual Almanack, shewing the Days of the Month Weekly,_ & the Equation of Time. 6th,_ A Circle shewing the Leap Year, the Index revolving only once in 4 years. 7th,_ A Time Piece, that strikes the Hours & chimes the Quarters_. On the Face of which the whole of the 24 hours (12 day & 12 night) are shewn and regulated_. within this Circle the Sun is seen in his Course, with the time of rising & setting by an Horizon receding or advancing as the days lengthen or shorten; & under is seen the Moon, shewing her different Quarters, Phases, Age &c. 8th,_ Two Female Figures, one on each side of the Dial plate, representing Fame & Terpsichore, who move in time when the Organ plays. 9th,_ A Movement regulating the Clock as a repeater to strike or be silent. 10th,_ Saturn the God of Time, who beats in movement while the Organ plays. 11th,_ A Circle on the Face shews the names of 10 celebrated ancient Tunes played by the Organ in the interior of the cabinet, every 4 hours. 12th,_ A Belfry with 6 Ringers, who ring a merry peal ad libitum. The interior of this part of the Cabinet is ornamented with beautiful Paintings, representing some of the principal Ancient Buildings of the City of Exeter.' A separately published, very rare, print of Jacob Lovelace's Magnificent Clock with detailed inscription beneath. The inscription details the different mechanisms and features of the clock when certain times are reached. The clock took 34 years to complete and would have originally been 10 feet in height, 5 feet in width, and weighed around half a ton. The upper part of the case contained the clock, organ movement and pipes, while the lower part of the case, with its doors open, displayed a painted diorama. The belfry in the centre contained several 'ringers' who moved in time with the music as the organ played. The clock was bought in the mid 19th century by the great Victorian collector Sir Joseph Meyer, who donated it to Liverpool Museum, now part of the National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside. During bomb damage to that museum in World War II it was mutilated and portions destroyed. Sadly, the remaining portions are neither playable nor restorable. The remains are now on display in Exeter Museum. Jacob Lovelace (1687-1755) is probably Exeter's most celebrated clock maker and, in particular, was the maker of the famous Exeter Clock. Lovelace worked in St Stephen's parish from circa 1712 until 1750. Lovelace died on the 30th of November 1755 in abject poverty. Condition: Some creasing to sheet, some small losses to sheet edge. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £350.00 |
| Stock ID | 48424 |