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Pitt’s Act of 1797, which taxed clocks and watches, increased demand for Act of Parliament clocks, displayed in public spaces with large faces with easy-to-read numerals and striking mechanisms.

Antique Tavern Clock or Act of Parliament Clock | Circa 1740
Antique Tavern Clock or Act of Parliament Clock | Circa 1740

Act of Parliament clock. A British-made mural clock that dates to the early eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Pitt’s Act of 1797, which taxed clocks and watches, is responsible for its name. The Act was repealed the following year, but in the interim, it helped increase demand for Act of Parliament clocks, typically displayed in public spaces like taverns, inns, and coffee shops. This kind of clock has a small trunk-like case, a large unglazed dial, and a weight-driven movement. Tavern clocks typically had large faces with easy-to-read numerals, often made of wood or metal. Some tavern clocks also had striking mechanisms that sounded the hour or half-hour.

Design and Aesthetics

Act of Parliament clocks are characterized by their substantial size, often featuring dials ranging from two to five feet in diameter. The dials were typically made of wood and either painted or lacquered, with large, clear numerals to ensure visibility from a distance. The cases were usually crafted from oak or pine and adorned with decorative elements such as chinoiserie—a style reflecting Chinese artistic influences—adding an exotic flair to the design. (ashburtonmuseum2.wixsite.com)

The visual prominence of these clocks in public spaces served a functional role and contributed to the interior aesthetics of establishments. Their grand scale and ornate designs made them focal points within taverns and inns, reflecting the design principles of emphasis and proportion.

TAVERN CLOCK or Act of Parliament clock, chinoiserie case on oak. Internal Mechanisms.
TAVERN CLOCK or Act of Parliament clock, chinoiserie case on oak. Internal Mechanisms.

Evolution and Legacy

Despite their association with the 1797 tax, tavern clocks existed before this period, with some examples dating back to the 1720s. Over time, their design evolved to include various dial shapes and decorative motifs, aligning with prevailing artistic trends. Today, surviving Act of Parliament clocks are considered valuable antiques, appreciated for their historical significance and craftsmanship. They offer insight into the interplay between legislation, public life, and design aesthetics in 18th-century Britain.

Act of Parliament Clock
Act of Parliament Clock

The enduring appeal of Act of Parliament clocks lies in their unique blend of functionality and artistry. They stand as a testament to a time when design served both practical needs and aesthetic desires, embodying principles that continue to influence contemporary decorative arts.

Sources

Studio Dictionary of Design & Decoration : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://archive.org/details/studiodictionary0000unse

Antique British Tavern Clock / Act of Parliament Clock – Price Guide and Values. (n.d.). Antique British tavern clock / Act of Parliament clock – price guide and values. Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://www.carters.com.au/index.cfm/index/11307-clocks-type-tavern-clock-act-of-parliament-clock/

Victoria & Albert Museum, V. A. (n.d.). Act of Parliament Clock | V&a Explore the Collections. Victoria and Albert Museum: Explore the Collections. Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https:///item/O322068/

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