Dive into the life and clocks of Simon Willard, the famed New England clockmaker and inventor.
This detailed history explores his beginnings, early apprenticeship, and the craft that made his timepieces famous, along with notices about his sons, apprentices, and other family clockmakers. Rich with plates and portraits, it reveals how Simon Willard’s work shaped American clockmaking and the visual art of clock glasses.
This edition presents the story in plain terms, tracing the lineage, the challenges of early American manufacturing, and the evolution of Willard clocks from the first masterworks to later generations. It blends biographical detail with practical context, including notes on clock production, materials, and the artisans who helped decorate and finish these remarkable pieces.
- Biographical sketches of Simon Willard and family members who inherited or shared the craft.
- Descriptions of clocks, mechanisms, and distinctive features that defined Willard timepieces.
- Discussion of associated artisans, such as glass painters and portraitists who contributed to the clocks’ fronts.
- Photographic plates and historical references that illuminate the era and its workmanship.
Ideal for readers interested in early American technology, horology, and the social history of clockmaking in New England. This edition suits both casual history lovers and specialized enthusiasts seeking a grounded, illustrated account.