He was born in 1736 at a hamlet called Hunters Holm close to the river Lyne in the parish of Arthuret, Cumberland. His parents were Edward and Jenetta Blacklock. In 1753 he was apprenticed to the clockmaker Archibald Lawrie of Carlisle for seven years. He married Hannah Liddle of Burgh by Sands at the parish Church of St. Mary's, Carlisle on 14th February 1767. The couple moved to Longtown in 1768 and began the Blaylock Clockmaking busines |
LONGCASE CLOCK BY JOHN BLAYLOCK (1) OF LONGTOWN CARVED OAK CASE circa 1780 LC3
Longcase clocks in carved cases do not meet with universal appeal today and I feel this is in part due to the fact that many plain 18th century clock cases were carved in Victorian times as was the misguided fashion of that time. It is now recognised however that some carved cases were produced in the 18th century by north of England cabinetmakers. Close examination of a case can be an aid to identification of later carving. Carving which is poorly executed and which breaks through the corners or sides of doors and panels is a sure sign of a later carved case. Also a carved case which has mahogany crossbanding and/or inlay is another indication. Opinions will probably always vary but the carved case to this clock is in my opinion original. The appearance of the clock has been altered a little as the result of the loss of its domed caddy which I am certain once adorned the present flat top. Placed on each side of the top are strips of wood which at one time located the caddy. The loss of caddys to clocks of this style is fairly common and is possibly due to carelessness or simply the fact that the caddy was discarded to enable the clock to be accommodated in a room with a low ceiling. 8 day movement, 12 inch brass arched dial, axedrop handles to both trunk and hood doors. The two weights are cased in brass. Hour and minute hands original but replacement second and date indicator. or return to Page last updated 01 January 2006 |
