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

London, B. T. Batsford Ltd , 1951. First edition. Cloth. A signed first edition of this profusely illustrated biographical study of English clockmaker, Thomas Tompion, inscribed by the author to Ambrose Heal. The first trade edition.Inscribed by the author to Ambrose Heal: "Ambrose Heal from the author Jan 5'2", "To A. H. from R. W. S". Heal was an English furniture designer, best known for being the chairman of Heal's (Heal & Son), the British furniture company.Illustrated with a colour frontispiece, three colour plates, two folding plates to the rear, and numerous monochrome illustrations. Collated, complete. 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 case making. 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. In the publisher's original cloth, lacking the original dust wrapper. In the publisher's original cloth, lacking the original dust wrapper. Externally very smart with slight fading to the spine, and light marks to the boards. Spotting to the endpapers with author's inscription to the front free endpaper. Internally firmly bound with bright and generally clean pages with occasional spotting. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: None stated. Very Good Indeed .