Re: Wilkins
There is no "F Wilkins" in Jill Wilson's Biographical Index of British Dialmakers nor in Gloria Clifton's Directory of Scientific Instrument Makers. It is possible that he was a clockmaker or, just possibly, the dial is a fake. Is there any chance of a picture? Regards, John ---tony moss <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Fellow Shadow Watchers,I've been contacted by an Edinburgh client who described her old dial as being marked:F. WILKINS LONDON with no further added details.Does anyone have more details of this maker please?Tony Moss-Dr J DavisFlowton Dials
Re: Wilkins
Jill Wilson's "Biographical Index of British Sundial Makers from 7th C to 1920" gives: Wilkins, Dr JohnWarden of Wadham College, Oxford, after the Civil War, he designed dials for some beehives with Sir Christopher Wren. The sundials at one time on the College chapel have also been attributed to him. Sources: Gatty p134 BSS 14(ii) pp63-67 Harriet James, 'The sundials at Wadham College, Oxford'. His wife was the sister of Oliver Cromwell. He became Bishop of Chester in 1668 and died in 1672. Could this be your man? Regards, Doug On Jul 19, 2005, at 17:42, tony moss wrote: Fellow Shadow Watchers, I've been contacted by an Edinburgh client who described her old dial as being marked: F. WILKINS LONDON with no further added details. Does anyone have more details of this maker please? Tony Moss - -
Re: Wilkins/Watkins
Jill's biographical index lists Watkins F(rancis) A London instrument maker who signed undated dials thought to be eighteenth century. Various affiliations are given and references to dials in the Register. It will be easier to photocopy the page for you if you need it. Regards, Doug On Jul 22, 2005, at 14:05, tony moss wrote: Fellow Shadow Watchers, My Edinburgh client responded to my query with: The dial does say F. WATKINS - LONDON. And it does look similar to the one you emailed. She also sent me some jpgs which shows a similar dial plate to Mike Isaacs' example from Uppark, the National Trust house in West Sussex, with a VERY similar gnomon. The signature on the Edinburgh example is in block letters but in a flowing script on the Uppark example. To return to my original question, what do we know about F. Watkins e.g. active dates, number of dials produced? Tony Moss P.S. JPEGs on the way to those who asked for them. - -