Tall Clock 1772 - 1775

This is a tall clock made by Thomas Harland, the clockmaker, sometime in the late 18th century. Notice the clock's imposing verticality, structured into three distinct horizontal tiers. At the base, a solid rectangular foundation provides stability. The central section extends upward, a smooth, uninterrupted plane, broken only by the subtle arch of a door. Above, the clock’s face is framed by an elaborate crest, suggesting the maker’s emphasis on the measurement of time as a central focus. These contrasting shapes—rectangles, arches, and ornate curves—create a visual rhythm that is both pleasing and symbolic. The interplay between the clock's various design elements might echo Enlightenment ideas about order, reason, and the harmony of the cosmos. Harland’s Tall Clock is not just a utilitarian object, but a formal statement about time and its place within the structured world.