BENJAMIN GRAY and JUSTIN VULLIAMY, LONDON

Object Description

A fine George II period figured walnut longcase clock by one of the most eminent partnerships of the Georgian period, Benjamin Gray and Justin Vulliamy.

The 12-inch square dial with rococo corner spandrels has an applied silvered chapter ring. The centre is finely matted with a large subsidiary seconds dial; a particular feature of Gray & Vulliamy of this period. The original blued steel pointers are finely pierced and above VI is an aperture to view the day of the month. The makers’ signature – Benjn:Gray Just:Vulliamy, London – is engraved on a silvered cartouche and applied to the matted centre.

The high quality five pillar movement has 8-day duration with rack strike and sounds the hours on a bell. The clock is complete with a pair of brass cased weights and pendulum with large brass bob.

The elegantly proportioned case is constructed mainly of oak and veneered with figured walnut of excellent colour and patination. Standing on a double-plinth, the case rises to a caddy top with a double tier of sound frets which is surmounted by two gilt ball finials. It resembles in many respects the walnut veneered longcases with caddy tops used by George Graham.

Date: circa 1745
Height: 90 in (228.5 cm)

Object Literature

* Benjamin Gray is recorded as working in Pall Mall, Westminster in 1727, then St James’s Street in 1749, then Pall Mall again by 1752. He became Watchmaker to the King from 1742. He formed a partnership with his son-in-law (to be), Swiss born Francois Justin Vulliamy as Gray & Vulliamy from circa 1743 till Gray’s death in 1764. Justin Vulliamy was later joined by his son Benjamin in the business circa 1780 and they were both subsequently appointed Clockmakers to His Majesty George III.

References: Cedric Jaeger, Royal Clocks, pp.201-208
H. Alan Lloyd, The Collector’s Dictionary of Clocks, pp.189-190
Tom Robinson, The Longcase Clock, p.277, fig. 9/114

Object Details