ARCHIBALD KNOX | A Monumental and Rare "Tudric" Clock, Model No. 098

Private Collection, United Kingdom
Morgan Strickland, London
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Liberty Pewter Sketch Book, Westminster City Archives, London, n.d., p. 56, no. 098
Stephen Martin, Archibald Knox, London, 1995, p. 88
Stephen Martin, Archibald Knox, London, 2001, pp. 70 and 235
Archibald Knox: Beauty and Modernity, a Designer Ahead of His Time, exh. cat., The Archibald Knox Society, London, 2014, p. 15, no. 9

Overall in very good condition. The pewter surfaces with minor fine surface scratches and tarnish consistent with age and gentle handling. The abalone inlay is richly variegated with a saturated spectrum of chromatic hues. The top surface with minor fine scattered spiral marks. The rear outer edges of the back with scattered areas of rubbing and minor oxidation. Trace areas of polishing residue to the recessed areas. The access panel door with minor area of pitting (1/8 x ¼ in size). Functionality of the movement is not guaranteed and it could need service at the buyer's discretion. A very rare design that wonderfully illustrates the artist's masterful combination of restrained linear and organic form.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The largest of all Knox clock designs, this monumental object appears to be the inverse of his iconic, but more common, Tudric cross clock.  Instead of appending wings to the top portion of the clock case thereby creating an upright cross, Knox begins these flanges about one third of the way down from the crown and extends them to the base, creating the impression of an upside-down cross.  It would seem that while the cross clock refers directly to the Celtic Christian standing stones, this clock is fashioned more so after the creative impulse inherent in Neolithic menhirs, the larger-than-human sized monoliths that are companions to the crosses on the Isle of Man.  This magnificent clock is perhaps the best example of the form that was offered by Liberty (they are on the whole very rare) in that its perfectly crafted body is complimented by Arabic numerals of the utmost delicacy and definition, indicating that it was made by one of the more skilled metalworkers employed by Liberty’s partner in metalware production, W. H. Haseler & Co, Birmingham.

DR. STEPHEN A. MARTIN