ARTISTRY OF TIMEPIECES
Decorative clocks go on show at new exhibition at historic Yorkshire hall
FOR 18TH century aristocrats, having an impressive ornamental timepiece to help while away the hours was the ultimate status symbol.
Now centuries later, those decorative clocks give visitors to Temple Newsam House in Leeds an insight into how lords and ladies passed the time in an historic country mansion.
And on Saturday next weekend, the Tudor Jacobean house will host an event exploring the history of timekeeping. Rachel Rich, a senior lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, will give a talk entitled Telling Time in 18th Century England, and will look at how clocks have reflected changing attitudes towards time and time management.
Among the clocks on display at Temple Newsam is the imposing, 8ft Pyke Clock, which once belonged to Queen Marie Antoinette of France and later the Duke of Buckingham.
Rachel Conroy, the curator at Temple Newsam House, said: “The artistry and craftsmanship evident in our beautiful collection of clocks is testament to the important role that timekeeping played in the predigital age.
“Having an attractive and accurate timepiece was both a status symbol and important part of managing your day, so a clock like The Pyke Clock would be both a beautiful conversation piece and a practical cornerstone of the house’s busy routine.”
Next week’s event is part of a series at the house and will be followed on October 14 at 2pm by a talk given by Charlotte Johnson and Hanne Faurby of London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.
Their talk entitled An Eye for Design will introduce Rosalinde Gilbert, a fashion designer working in wartime London. Talks are free with admission and is £6 for adults and £4.80 for Leeds Card holders. Call 0113 3367461 or email temple.newsam.house@leeds.gov.uk.