John Brogan of Dublin, Ireland. An Irish Chippendale tall clock, a style that emerged in the mid-18th century and is characterized by elegant proportions and the use of high-quality materials. 225170.
John Brogan remains an elusive figure in horological literature, with his name recorded in A LIST of IRISH WATCH and CLOCK MAKERS by Geraldine Fennell, M.A. Due to the lack of biographical information, analysis must rely on the clock and its case. This signed Brogan clock represents a form popular in Dublin during the 1750s and 1760s. Several similar examples exist with dials signed by more prominent clockmakers, such as John Reilly and Charles Morgan.
The tall, elegant, and well-proportioned Chippendale case is constructed from San Domingo mahogany. This clock represents one of the earliest furniture forms to utilize this newly imported wood, sourced from the Spanish Islands and later Cuba. Prior to approximately 1730, mahogany and other goods from His Majesty's plantations were prohibited from importation to the island. The adoption of this wood marked a departure from the previously favored marquetry-style cases.
This case form originated in Dublin and subsequently gained significant popularity. The bonnet is slightly oversized to accommodate the larger 13-inch dial.
The case stands on applied bracket feet, and the base features an applied rectangular panel. Each of the four corners displays inverse cutaways, while the perimeter is trimmed with a molded edge. The panel was selected for its superior grain pattern. Complex ogee moldings provide a transition from the base to the long, narrow waist section, which centers a well-shaped door. This door is crafted from mahogany exhibiting a vibrant crotch pattern. Affixed to the back of the door is a label reading, “William Miltom / Watch and Clock Maker / 64 Upr Stephen St. / Dublin.”
William Milton is documented as working at various addresses in Dublin from 1829 to 1849, with his initial location on Great Ship Street, behind Dublin Castle. As a watch and clockmaker, he produced clocks for Her Majesty's Board of Ordnance and the Bank of Ireland. Several shelf clocks are also known. It is possible that his business serviced or resold this clock at some point.
The front corners of the waist feature fluted inset quarter columns. These terminate in turned wooden capitals and are set up on veneered plinths. This quarter-column detail successfully softens the lines of the waist section and accentuates the form's narrowness.
The bonnet, or hood, features a swan's-neck pediment with well-executed molded arches. The carved rosettes turn slightly upward at the outer ends. The interior sides of the moldings terminate in carved floral rosettes, and a carved shell-themed cartouche is centered above. A distinguishing feature of Irish cases is the convex or cushion molding positioned just below the arches. This frieze is skillfully carved with acanthus foliage centering the "Green Man" from Irish legend, a symbol of nature, fertility, and rebirth, whose face emerges from the forest and represents humanity's interconnectedness with the natural world. Below this molding is the bonnet door, a square panel fitted with glass. Fluted pilasters terminating in carved Corinthian capitals flank the hood.
The square brass dial measures approximately 13 inches across, exceeding the London standard of 12 inches at the time. Four rococo-style spandrels are applied to each corner of the dial. The chapter ring, subsidiary seconds dial, and calendar dial are all applied and treated with a silver wash, which contrasts with the yellow color of the brass. Roman numerals indicate the hours, while Arabic numerals mark each five-minute interval. The center of the dial is matted, providing a textured backdrop that enhances the visibility of the hour and minute hands. The chapter ring is signed by the maker, "John Brogan," with the location given as "Dublin."
The movement is constructed of brass and is designed to run for an eight-day duration. It strikes each hour on the hour using a rack-and-snail mechanism. The plates are heavily cast and supported by four posts, reflecting high-quality craftsmanship.
This clock, produced in the 18th century circa 1760, stands slightly over 92 inches tall. The upper bonnet molding measures 22 inches wide and 10 inches deep.
Irish tall-case clocks, such as this example, are currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Consequently, they have become increasingly rare and difficult to locate and inventory. Ownership of this clock serves as a testament to the enduring influence of Irish immigrants on the finest forms of American furniture.
Inventory number 225170.
