Clock

Editor: Here we have the "Clock," crafted around 1905 by Charles Green and Son. It's primarily made of silver, but also incorporates glass and other metals. There's something very tactile and precious about its design, almost like a miniature monument to time. What strikes you when you look at this piece? Curator: The materiality speaks volumes. The choice of silver, particularly during the Art Nouveau period, indicates a connection to luxury and craftsmanship. This isn't just a clock; it's a carefully manufactured object intended to showcase status and refinement. The glass casing further emphasizes the value of what's inside—not just the time, but the mechanism itself. Does this change your initial impression? Editor: It does make me consider the audience who would have bought it, but does the function have any role in this artistic design? Curator: Absolutely! Time, during the rise of industrialization, became even more regulated and commodified. To possess a clock like this wasn't just practical; it signified control over one's time, a very powerful social statement considering the rigid factory schedules. Notice how the clear case also reflects this regulation through its own transparency: It's meant to communicate reliability. Editor: I see! The value lies not just in the aesthetic, but also in how it represents societal structures related to production and labor. Thanks for that. Curator: Precisely. By studying its materials and manufacturing process, we can see a mirror to the values of the Edwardian Era and the industrialised culture it represents. Hopefully you are more familiar now.