The Claggett Clockmakers of Newport
February 2019 :
Our hearts go out to the thousands of residents of Newport who, at the worst time of year, are without heat in their homes. It is hoped that by the time you are reading this, that the situation will be rectified.
In addition to homes, many businesses are also closed. Included in this is the beautiful Redwood Library & Athenaeum which is worthy of visiting any time of year, but right now, it is home to an amazing exhibit: close to three dozen grandfather clocks, many crafted by William Claggett (1694-1748), a young man who recognized Newport as a great place to be and to work. With his son-in-law James Wady joining his company, the Claggett name became one of the most admired clockmaker of this time, and their clocks were valued both for their beauty and their workmanship.
Each clock is beautifully encased in an exquisite and unique case. Many of the faces, in addition to showing time, also give the month and date, the day of the week, the phases of the Moon, and the time of high tide. Also, with some, you can turn off the strikes, possibly a boon for a home with a young child. Today, many of these pieces of artwork still function, and belong to private families, and the Redwood Library has collected and set on display an unbelievable set of these grandfather clocks. Also, as was stated by the librarian, they are not set to all correspond to the exact time, as it would be a nightmare to listen to them all chiming simultaneously.
The Claggetts of Newport exhibit is very much worth taking a day trip to Newport, as you uncover one of the historic jewels of our state. The exhibit runs through April 21, 2019.
