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Feature article
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William King travels back in time with ‘Clocks’
By staff report
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Exhibit showcases clockmakers’ ingenuity
In the early 19th century, Northeastern clock manufacturers engaged in fierce competition to develop new methods of assembly, new types of relatively inexpensive clock movements and new ways to retail their goods in the South, circumventing Southern lawmakers’ attempts to prevent their wares from flooding the market.
This compelling tale of rivalry and originality accompanies the magnificent tall case clocks and shelf clocks on display in “Buying Time: Clocks Along the Great Road, 1790-1870,” the latest exhibition at William King Museum in Abingdon, Va.
Although there were a small number of Southern clockmakers in practice during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the Northeast served as the hub of clock manufacturing, with Connecticut as the capital. Producers in this area established factories with assembly line systems to construct more clocks at a greater pace. These large, wooden movement clocks were then shipped to or sold in other regions, where local cabinetmakers placed them in custom-built tall cases.
In the 1810s, Eli Terry introduced the shelf clock to the market. The shelf clock emerged from the factory complete, a small set of works in a neatly fashioned case. The clocks were produced quickly and at a low cost, and they were sold at a lower price to a wider range of consumers than tall case clocks, while still yielding a considerable profit. Northeastern manufacturers quickly began making and improving shelf clocks, selling them in the South through an intricate network of young peddlers.
As frustration grew over the amount of “imported” goods entering the South, legislators in these states enacted heavy taxes and licensing fees for both Northern merchandise and peddlers. Clockmakers responded in a number of ways, including forming Southern factories where parts manufactured in the Northeast were assembled and the clocks were labeled with their “Southern” origination.
The multiplicity of clock styles in “Buying Time” demonstrates the evolution of the industry and manufacturers’ ability to cater to the preferences of an eager audience.
“Buying Time” is the 23rd Cultural Heritage Project exhibition to be held at William King. Developed in 1994, the Cultural Heritage Project documents and presents the artistic legacy of 15 counties in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee. The project seeks to foster a full and accurate appreciation of the region’s role in American material culture.
A major goal of the project is to broaden the record of objects made by hand in the region prior to 1940. To date, more than 2,000 examples of regional material culture have been photographed and documented by project fieldworkers. The museum maintains documentary records for researchers interested in regional culture.
“Buying Time” will remain on display at William King through Jan. 3, 2010.
Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors, and free for museum members and students. Free parking is available, and the facility is fully accessible. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. The Museum is closed on Monday and some holidays.
For more information, call William King at 276-628-5005 or visit williamkingmuseum.org.
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“Buying Time: Clocks Along the Great Road, 1790-1870”
WHEN: Through Jan. 3, 2010
WHERE: William King Museum, Abingdon, Va.
COST: $5, adults; $3, seniors; Free, museum members, students
CONTACT: 276-628-5005, williamkingmuseum.org
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