1. Benjamin Vulliamy, was a British clockmaker responsible for building the Regulator Clock, which, between 1780 and 1884, was the main timekeeper of the King's Observatory Kew and the official regulator of time in London.
12 Facts About Benjamin Vulliamy
1. 2.
In 1773 Vulliamy had received a Royal Appointment as the King's Clockmaker.
3.
Benjamin Vulliamy was born in London, the son of Justin Vulliamy and his wife Mary.
4.
From an early age, the younger Benjamin Vulliamy showed interest in pursuing his father's career.
5.
The king, an enthusiast for watches and mechanical devices, was patron of Justin Vulliamy, but Benjamin was the only one of the pair to receive this significant honour.
6.
Around 1780, Benjamin Vulliamy was commissioned to build the Regulator Clock, the main timekeeper of the King's Observatory Kew, which served as an unofficial Prime Meridian.
7.
Vulliamy had married and in 1780 his son Benjamin Lewis was born.
8.
Benjamin Vulliamy clocks were of considerable value and represented the climax of technology at the time.
9.
Benjamin Vulliamy clocks were combined with fine porcelain figures to create artefacts that combined both science and art.
10.
The Benjamin Vulliamy family used Crown Derby to produce the figures from porcelain designs.
11.
One of Benjamin Vulliamy's assistants, Jacques Planche, was a brother of Andrew Planche, who had been involved in the early Derby Porcelain business.
12.
The Benjamin Vulliamy business subcontracted much of the clocks' manufacture to other skilled artisans.