Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1930–1973 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
110 files in 2 boxes and plan folders (0.5 linear metres)
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Philip Thornton (1901–1975), born in Great Haywood, Stafford, was a horologist and a manufacturer of milling cutters for clock wheels and pinions. He was also an accomplished clock maker, designer and engraver. In the 1930s and 1940s he was engaged mainly in clock making and restoration, becoming an expert at the repeating mechanisms used by Tompion and his contemporaries. He made striking longcase clocks in Knibb’s style, and after the Second World War, in collaboration with Frodsham & Company, he made hump back carriage clocks with perpetual calendar in the style of Breguet, the first of which was presented to HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. His last creation was a Roman numeral striking clock, intended to be the first of a new series.
Repository
Archival history
These records were created and assembled by the horologist Philip Thornton. They were acquired by Rodney Law after Thornton’s death in 1975, when Law and David Burton took over Thornton’s business. On Law’s death in 2021, his papers were inherited by Michael Wright, who donated them to the AHS.
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Donated to the AHS by Michael Wright in 2021.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
This collection comprises Philip Thornton’s reports, notes, sketches and tracings which document the repairs and restorations of mainly bracket clocks, carried out by him primarily in the 1930s and 1940s, with a few later instances. Most papers record the date of restoration and the name of the client. The files vary in size and content from single pieces of scrap paper to more comprehensive bundles containing condition reports and detailed large-format drawings. Many of the papers are in very fragile condition.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
Philip Thornton’s archive has been fully catalogued and no further deposits are expected.
System of arrangement
The Thornton collection was originally deposited as one box of loose papers, grouped into numbered bundles relating to individual clocks and arranged mostly chronologically. This arrangement has been retained, with the original numbering preserved in the file reference numbers. Some file numbers have not been deposited. In the few cases were no original numbering was present, the files have been given alphabetical references. The collection is arranged into one series.
THO/01: Clock repair files
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
These records are mostly available for public access by prior appointment. Records containing personal information are subject to access restrictions under the UK Data Protection Act, 2018.
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
English
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Many papers are in fragile condition.
Finding aids
Generated finding aid
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Alternative identifier(s)
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
Genre access points
Description control area
Description identifier
Institution identifier
Rules and/or conventions used
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation revision deletion
Language(s)
Script(s)
Sources
Archivist's note
Catalogued in May 2024 by the AHS Archivist.