A QUEEN ANNE WALNUT AND FLORAL MARQUETRY LONGCASE CLOCK

A QUEEN ANNE WALNUT AND FLORAL MARQUETRY LONGCASE CLOCK

BY JOHN DREW, LONDON, C.1705

the brass eight day movement with six finned and latched pillars, the inside countwheel striking on a bell with plates measuring 7.5 by 5 inches and an anchor escapement regulated by seconds pendulum, the 12 inch square brass dial with a silvered chapter ring with Roman and Arabic numerals and stylised fleur-de-lys markers signed 'Jn'o Drew, Johnsons Court, Fleet Street, London', the matted centre with a subsidiary seconds dial and date aperture, the hood with brass finials and with foliate marquetry, thr trunk door with urns of flowers and a lenticle with a conforming plinth

234cm high (excluding finials)

Catalogue Note

John Drew is recorded in Brian Loomes, 'The Early Clockmakers of Britain 1286-1700' as born around 1663 and apprenticed to Joseph Knibb for eight years from September 1676 until 1684. He worked out of a shop in Johnson Court, on Fleet Street and is believed to have married Eleanor Ferentine in 1688. John Drew took-on eight apprentices during his career none of which appeared to continue in the trade. He signed the Clockmakers 'oath of allegiance' in 1697 and, in 1712, was appointed Beadle of the Company, taking over from the deceased Richard George, an engraver who had held the position for over a decade. The official description of a Livery Beadle's duties was to attend every official Livery function, maintain the peace during meetings, look after robes, etc. Unofficially, at this time, the role was usually given as a source of income to members who had fallen on hard times. He was succeeded as Beadle on his death on 1713 by Christopher Gould, and his wife continued receiving charity from the Company until her death in 1715.