R. W. Symonds — Thomas Tompion: His Life & Work

London, B. T. Batsford Ltd. 1951 . First edition. Leather. A signed, limited edition of this profusely illustrated biographical study of English clockmaker, Thomas Tompion. A limited edition, signed by the author to the limitation page. This is copy 151 out of 350. Bound in half red morocco with cloth boards. This interesting biographical work surrounds the life and work of the "Father of English Clockmaking", Thomas Tompion. The author explores Tompion's historic and important clocks, which still are sold all over the world, commanding very high prices. With chapters covering his watch and clock style, the scientific element behind watchmaking, his creation of the King's watch, and casemaking. Profusely illustrated with two-hundred-and-seventy-one figures to accompany the text. With two folding plates to the rear. Written by British architect and designer, R. W. Symonds, who was known as one of the chief 20th century scholars in the field of English furniture and design. With the morocco bookplate of W.A. Foyle of Beeleigh Abbey to the front pastedown. William Foyle founded Foyles bookshop in 1903 alongside his brother. He purchased Beeleigh Abbey during the Second World War, an impressive twelfth century monastery in Essex. Beeleigh housed his library, one of the largest private libraries in England. Bound in half red morocco with cloth boards. Externally, lovely, with light rubbing to the extremities and the odd mark. Small area where cloth is lifting a touch to the front board. Bookplate to the front paste down. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are very bright and clean. Near Fine . Ill.: Not Stated. Near Fine .