Identificatie
referentie code
Titel
Datum(s)
- 1930–1973 (Vervaardig)
Beschrijvingsniveau
Omvang en medium
110 files in 2 boxes and plan folders (0.5 linear metres)
Context
Naam van de archiefvormer
Biografie
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.
archiefbewaarplaats
Geschiedenis van het archief
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.
Directe bron van verwerving of overbrenging
Donated to the AHS by Michael Wright in 2021.
Inhoud en structuur
Bereik en inhoud
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.
Waardering, vernietiging en slectie
Aanvullingen
Philip Thornton’s archive has been fully catalogued and no further deposits are expected.
Ordeningstelsel
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
Voorwaarden voor toegang en gebruik
Voorwaarden voor raadpleging
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.
Voorwaarden voor reproductie
Taal van het materiaal
Schrift van het materiaal
Taal en schrift aantekeningen
English
Fysieke eigenschappen en technische eisen
Many papers are in fragile condition.
Toegangen
Generated finding aid
Verwante materialen
Bestaan en verblifplaats van originelen
Bestaan en verblijfplaats van kopieën
Related units of description
Aantekeningen
Alternative identifier(s)
Trefwoorden
Onderwerp trefwoord
Geografische trefwoorden
Naam ontsluitingsterm
Genre access points
Beschrijvingsbeheer
Identificatie van de beschrijving
Identificatiecode van de instelling
Toegepaste regels en/of conventies
Status
Niveau van detaillering
Verwijdering van datering archiefvorming
Taal (talen)
Schrift(en)
Bronnen
Aantekeningen van de archivaris
Catalogued in May 2024 by the AHS Archivist.