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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Clock · Mantle clock

Clarendon Mantle Clock

Partially verified

This Clarendon mantle clock, manufactured in 1989 by Josiah Wedgwood and Sons in Barlaston, is a timepiece constructed from cream-colored earthenware. The design features a dark green highland tartan pattern with transfer printing and gilding applied to the edges. The clock measures 130 mm in height, 135 mm in length, and 62 mm in diameter. It incorporates metal and glass components alongside the ceramic body. The front of the clock holds a circular dial featuring a gilded bezel, black Roman numerals, and black clock hands, with the movement identified as quartz. The reverse side of the clock is crafted from cream earthenware and features specific brand and collection markings in gold, including the Polo Ralph Lauren horse symbol, while the face carries the printed inscription "WEDGWOOD QUARTZ MADE IN ENGLAND". The object is held within the V&A Wedgwood Collection.

View of the back of the Clarendon mantle clock showing the gilded maker's marks, Ralph Lauren branding, and the cream earthenware finish.
View of the back of the Clarendon mantle clock showing the gilded maker's marks, Ralph Lauren branding, and the cream earthenware finish. — V&A Wedgwood Collection. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
collections.vam.ac.uk
Category
Clock · Mantle clock
Maker / attribution
Josiah Wedgwood and Sons
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
WE.18585-2014
Source-reported date
1989
Source-reported place
England

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Decoration

The Clarendon clock is a mantle clock composed primarily of earthenware. The front and lateral sides are decorated with a dark green highland tartan pattern achieved through transfer printing. The edges of the ceramic body are enhanced with gilding.

The back and base of the clock are left in a plain cream earthenware finish. The circular clock face is recessed into the front of the body and framed by a gilded bezel. The overall dimensions are 130 mm in height and 135 mm in length.

Evidence for this section
  • “Mantle clock, front and sides has a dark green highland tartan pattern with gilding to edges.”
  • “Back of clock and base is a cream earthenware.”
  • “Circular clock face in front, with a gilded edge and black numbers and clock hands.”

Dial and Timekeeping

The clock utilizes a quartz movement. The dial is circular and protected by glass. It features a simple design with black clock hands and black Roman numerals.

The face is marked with the Wedgwood brand name and identifies the movement type as quartz, with the inscription "MADE IN ENGLAND" located at the bottom of the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “WEDGWOOD / QUARTZ / MADE IN ENGLAND' (printed in black on clock face)”
  • “Circular clock face in front, with a gilded edge and black numbers and clock hands.”

Signatures and Provenance

The rear of the object contains several markings in gold. These include the text "RALPH LAUREN", "CLARENDON", and a copyright symbol with "Polo Ralph Lauren 1989", accompanied by the polo horse symbol. The mark for the manufacturer, "WEDGWOOD", is also present with a registered trademark symbol.

The clock is accessioned into the V&A Wedgwood Collection under the number WE.18585-2014. It was presented to the collection by the Art Fund with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and private donations.

Evidence for this section
  • “RALPH LAUREN / CLARENDON / © Polo Ralph Lauren 1989' (circular marking in gold, with horse polo symbol)”
  • “'WEDGWOOD ® / MADE IN ENGLAND' (marked in gold)”
  • “Presented by Art Fund with major support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, private donations and a public appeal.”

Open research questions

  • What is the source and origin of the quartz movement used within this Wedgwood-branded clock?
  • Were there other color variations of the tartan pattern produced for the Clarendon line in 1989?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Clarendon Mantle Clock
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerJosiah Wedgwood and Sons“Josiah Wedgwood and Sons (Manufacturers)”
Place of originBarlaston, England“Barlaston”
MaterialsEarthenware, metal, and glass“Earthenware with transfer printing and gilding, metal and glass”
Height130 mm“Height: 130 mm”
MarkingsRALPH LAUREN, Wedgwood, Polo Ralph Lauren“RALPH LAUREN / CLARENDON / © Polo Ralph Lauren 1989”
Movement typeQuartz“WEDGWOOD / QUARTZ / MADE IN ENGLAND”

Visible details

  • Dark green highland tartan pattern on front and sides
  • Gilded edges on the clock body and dial bezel
  • Quartz movement indicated on the clock face
  • Cream earthenware finish on the back and base

Research qualifications

  • Specific manufacturer of the quartz movement is not identified
  • The extent of the collaboration process between Ralph Lauren and Wedgwood is not documented

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Clarendon

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record e3c2a87454

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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