English Rose Window Skeleton Clock by Evans of Handsworth

Description

English Rose Window Skeleton Clock
Evans of Handsworth
Circa 1885

This exceptional skeleton clock transforms the grandeur of Notre-Dame Cathedral’s rose window into a functioning horological masterpiece. Created by the celebrated firm Evans of Handsworth during the height of Victorian clockmaking excellence, this timepiece represents the pinnacle of 19th-century English mechanical artistry. The 8-day, 2-train fusee movement strikes on the hour and half-hour, while the intricate pierced dial mimics the Gothic style of the Cathedral’s famed stained glass. Each brass spoke and arch has been meticulously pierced and finished, revealing the complex fusee movement beneath while maintaining the clock’s architectural inspiration.

Evans of Handsworth established themselves as premier manufacturers of skeleton clocks during the mid-19th century, earning recognition for producing some of the most technically sophisticated and visually striking timepieces of the era. Operating from their Birmingham workshop, the firm specialized in complex movements housed within architecturally inspired frames that appealed to Victorian fascination with both Gothic Revival aesthetics and mechanical innovation. The clock was retailed by Louis B. Twells of Ashbourne.

19″ high x 14 3/4″ wide x 8″ deep