Victorian Mantel Clock 

Victorian Mantel Clock after treatment.

Identification

  • Object Type: Mantel clock
  • Date: Victorian era (1837-1901)
  • Origin: England
  • Owner: Unknown
  • Maker: Unknown
  • Measurements: 
    • Length: 29 cm
    • Width: 13 cm
    • Height 29 cm
  • Materials: Clock case made of Plaster, wood and black slate mantled with brass details (columns and frieze). Quartz clock with a protective glass (which can be opened) and brass-decorated edges. Plastic hands. Iron pins.

Summary

This Victorian mantel clock is an exquisite timekeeping artifact that encapsulate the essence of the Victorian era. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, its architectural design from ornate scrollwork to elaborate carving reflects the craftsmanship of the era. The symbolic elements incorporated into their design serve as a window into the values and sentiments of Victorian society. Delicate floral motifs, regal emblems, and miniature figurines adorn the clocks; symbolizing virtues such as duty, honour, and family, which were highly esteemed during the Victorian era. The clock case was crafted from a combination of plaster, wood, and black slate.  Brass details are adorning the clock are brass columns and friezes, meticulously crafted to add a touch of regal sophistication. These brass elements serve as both decorative accents and structural reinforcements, enhancing the overall design. A protective glass cover that can be opened, allowing for easy access to the quartz clock mechanism housed within. Iron pins secure the various components of the clock, ensuring stability and longevity 

The object had loose Joints, missing parts, poor-quality restoration treatments and accumulated dirt, along with corroded areas all around the mechanism and the brass elements.  

Through meticulous treatment and restoration, the Victorian Architectural Table Clock was revived to its former glory, preserving its historical significance and aesthetic beauty for generations to come. 

My favourite treatments were the replacement of missing areas and colour matching. 

The rounded disk and central finial were replaced using Jesmonite® composite material, providing durability and strength. A digital drawing using a 3D model program was made for the central finial, and a 3D printed model was painted and secured with a protective inner wire. To match the colour of the replacement and to revive the slate blacking, a custom solution was prepared using a mixture of waxes, black pigments and solvents which was then coated with microcrystalline wax for protection. A final protective coat of a 3% solution of Paraloid B67® in white spirit was applied to the back of the mechanism where the battery was kept, preventing further corrosion. 

Behind the Scenes

A left/right composite image of the clock front before and after treatment. The left side is covered in dirt, discoloured and missing parts, the right side has been cleaned and the missing parts replaced.
At top clock before treatments applied dirt, discoloured and with missing parts. At the bottom clock after treatments.
At top clock before treatments applied dirt, discoloured and with missing parts. At the bottom clock after treatments.
Side by side comparison of the clock’s side before and after treatment. The left image shows the clock covered in dirt, discoloured and missing parts. In the image to the right, the clock has been cleaned revealing shiny black surface, brass columns and replacement pieces.
Top and bottom left the Victorian clock before treatment applied dirt, discoloured and with missing parts. At the right top and bottom clock after treatments.

The conservator who treated this object is Giorgia, click on the profile to learn more.

Note: All images were taken by the conservator unless stated otherwise.

Giorgia a white woman in early thirties person with long dark hair smiling at the camera, wearing a black shirt. The photo is in black and white.

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