Foster Campos, Pembroke, Massachusetts, Girandole Clock, Made In 2005

A Contemporary Master Revives America's "Most Beautiful Clock"

In 2005, the late Massachusetts clockmaker Foster S. Campos crafted what would become his third Girandole wall timepiece of that year. At first glance, his creation appears to be an heirloom from the early 19th century, featuring a mahogany case, a gilded eagle finial, and convex glass panels illuminated with painted ornamentation. However, it stands as a modern reproduction of one of the rarest and most celebrated American clock styles: the Girandole, first patented around 1820 by Lemuel Curtis of Concord, Massachusetts.

As an apprentice of the renowned Willard family, Curtis reimagined Simon Willard's banjo clock, leading collectors to call it "America's most beautiful clock." His neoclassical design, closely resembling the gilt-framed wall mirrors of the period, captivated admirers with its refinement and ornamentation. Unfortunately, it did not achieve commercial success, as many considered it too costly to produce, resulting in only a few being made. Today, surviving examples are housed in prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Old Sturbridge Village, and the Clark Art Institute.

Working more than 180 years later in his Pembroke workshop, Campos honors that legacy. Since the 1970s, only a few artisans— including Elmer Stennes, Ted Burleigh, and Campos himself—have embraced the Girandole form, creating limited editions that pay tribute to Curtis's design while showcasing their own craftsmanship. Campos stamps and codes his works; this particular piece bears "3-05," indicating its place in his 2005 production. Foster Campos passed away two years later, in 2007.

Like the originals, it measures nearly four feet in length. Artisans gilded its frames with gold leaf, adorned the throat glass with urns, floral motifs, and a bird, and illustrated the circular lower glass with Aurora, the Roman goddess of dawn, riding her gilded chariot across the sky, heralding a new day. The central aperture remains unpainted, allowing viewers to see the motion of the brass pendulum bob, which emulates the sun. The reverse glass painting, executed and signed by talented ornamental artist Tom Moberg, shimmers with vivid colors and intricate detail. Behind convex glass, the painted dial displays Campos's signature alongside Curtis-style hands. Inside, a brass movement runs for eight days on a single wind, powered by a cast-iron weight.

This clock represents both a modern creation and a living echo of one of the most admired achievements in American clockmaking.

Inventory number 223133

Dimensions: Height 46", Width 12", Depth 4 3/4".