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Thomas Hill

Thomas Hill of London

Circa 1740

Height 91 inches

Status: for sale

A fine and rare George II period blue laquer japanned longcase clock by this noted maker. 

The case is made of oak, has raised and gilded chinoiserie decoration depicting temples, pavilions and characters in traditional Chinese costume on a blue ground.

The original high quality movement is eight day duration with five pillar movement, the hours striking on a bell.

The 12 inch brass dial has a silvered chapter ring and a subsidiary seconds dial. There is a strike/silent feature to the arch between dolphin spandrels. Above six o'clock is an aperture to view the day of the month and there is a silvered cartouche signed by the maker and applied to the matted centre. The original finely cut blue steel hands are retained.


Thomas Hill of London is listed working in Devonshire Street in 1749 before moving to Fleet Street in 1762. He died in 1782 and the business was carried on by his son, also called Thomas.

Laquer or japanning was a process first brought to Europe by Portuguese mechants in the 16th century.  In England furniture decorated in this manner became fashionable through the early years of 17th century.  Printed designs for use by furniture makers and clock case makers were mainly taken from "A Treatise of Japanning and Varnishing"  by John Stalker and George Parker in 1688  These designs were often refered to as Chinoiserie ( after the French Chinois) 

Most laquer clock cases have a black ground or occasionally green.  Blue is in my experience is the rarest colour and dare I say the most pleasing!  Condition is important with many exmples having been re-decorated.  This example is stunningly original and mellow

The V&A Museum has several interesting articles on the subject

www.vam.ac.uk/page/lacquer





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