Archibald Knox’s clocks draw on the rich cultural heritage of his native Isle of Man. Their monumental and minimalist forms are reminiscent of the standing Celtic stones populating the island’s countryside which Knox spent a lifetime exploring.
Archibald Knox’s designs for Liberty & Co. are very well documented, especially his designs for their ‘Tudric’ and ‘Cymric’ ranges. His impressive clocks fulfil his desire to bring together two worlds which he valued deeply: the ancient Celtic tradition and the new, modern world of design, which was undergoing the development of a new and innovative aesthetic. Often, they are stripped of superfluous ornament and incorporate abalone shell inlay as a series of narrow strips; a stark and striking visual effect that signals a modernist approach to the design. Knox produced only a few extra-sized clocks during his Liberty period making these rare, perhaps produced as a special commission.