ARCHIBALD KNOX | A Monumental "Tudric" Wall Clock, Model No. 094

Titus Omega, London, 2010
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Liberty Pewter Sketch Book, Westminster City Archives, London, n.d., p. 56, no. 094
Stephen Martin, Archibald Knox, London, 1995, pp. 91, 238-239
Stephen Martin, Archibald Knox, London, 2001, p. 71
Paul Carter Robinson, 20^th Century Pewter: Art Nouveau to Modernism, Suffolk, 2012, p. 117, no. 2.3
Archibald Knox: Beauty and Modernity, a Designer Ahead of His Time, exh. cat., The Archibald Knox Society, London, 2014, p. 15 (for an example with fewer areas of inset abalone)

Overall very good condition. The pewter surfaces with minor fine surface scratches and tarnish consistent with age and gentle handling. The abalone is superbly detailed, richly variegated and presents with a saturated spectrum of chromatic hues. The lower proper right panel with a very shallow indentation measuring approximately ¼ inch in diameter and is not visually disruptive. The rear cover with traces of oxidation. The interior rim of the cover with a minor indentation concentrated to an area approximately 2 ½ inches and not visible when installed. The interior opening of the access hole with traces of adhesive residue. Functionality of the movement is not guaranteed and it could need service at the buyer's discretion. An extremely rare work and the only wall model ever designed by Knox. It's abstract shape and expressive yet restrained form display the artist at the height of his powers.
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.

His only known wall clock, this design illustrates another aspect of Knox’s Celtic Revivalist proclivities.  Abstracted to an essential rounded triangular shape, its inspiration must have been the decorative swelling at the top of some of the most famous Manx standing crosses or, perhaps, the face-like forms of pre-Christian Celtic funerary masks made of beaten silver and gold.  While this clock design may be redolent of the ‘ancient’, Knox has created a startlingly modern object by way of abstraction.  It is defined and powerful, and at the same time very beautiful, decoratively enhanced by its lustrous pewter and the iridescence of its abalone plaques.

DR. STEPHEN A. MARTIN