7th December 2023
The George Daniels Memorial lecture.
‘A Revolutionary Breguet Clock (and more Breguet at the British Museum)’
Oliver Cook
For this year’s South London Branch “George Daniels Memorial Lecture” we are delighted to welcome back “Oliver Cooke.” From the British Museum.
Oliver will look at the life of the extraordinary three-wheeled clock, Breguet No. 111, which was conceived during the French Revolution, and which came to the British Museum in 2015. The ground will be set with a brief look at Breguet’s beginnings, some of his accomplishments and a survey of the other Breguet clocks at the BM. The conception and production of 111 will then be discussed, followed by a close look at its fascinating features, including the three wheels (for a one-week duration), a revolutionary calendar and two forms of temperature compensation. Its subsequent life will then be followed, from its first sale until its arrival at the BM.
Oliver has been a Curator of Horology in the Department of Britain, Europe & Prehistory at the British Museum since 2007. He is responsible for managing the care, storage, display, and conservation of the diverse collection of over 8,000 items, which includes clocks, watches, scientific instruments, components, prints and ephemera, ranging from the humble to the pre-eminent. Having studied the conservation of antique clocks at West Dean College, and subsequently becoming an MBHI, his practical background is essential in informing his technical and historical research into these complex objects.
As has become the tradition for this event we will be laying on Mince Pies and Mulled Wine.
Doors open at 19:30, Starting 20.00 hours.
The meeting will be held at The White Hart Barn in Godstone.
THE WHITE HART BARN (Godstone Village Hall)
GODSTONE
SURREY RH9 8DU
7.30pm for 8.00pm Start
