Space and Time

Time gallery

A pocket sundial

There is a very good collection of clocks, watches and sundials at World Museum Liverpool (WML). This reflects both the importance of clock and watch-making, and of scientific instrument-making, in the Liverpool region in the 17th - 19th centuries, and also the presence of an important astronomical and tidal observatory at Bidston, Wirral from which accurate time and tidal information was transmitted to sailors. Some important telescopes, clocks and tide prediction machines which formerly operated at Bidston are now in our collection.

Among the displays in the Time Gallery are:

• a Bond astronomical regulator clock made in Boston, USA about 1867, used for timekeeping at Bidston Observatory;
• an 8-day musical striking long case clock with metal dial by Joseph Finney of Liverpool, c. 1770;
• a clock by Robert Molyneux of London, c. 1843, made for the new Liverpool Observatory, with a mercury compensation pendulum;
• a skeleton clock by Thomas Condliff of Liverpool, made for the International Exhibition of 1867;
• and a wooden-cased workshop clock by Thomas Tompion, c. 1695, which is believed was used to adjust watches.

There are also over 50 watches, and six marine chronometers, on display.

 

Online feature

Have you ever wondered why we have seasons or how sundials work?   Find out in Sunbeams and Sundials.