Join early American clock specialist, Gary R. Sullivan for a lecture and slide show on the beautiful and sculptural eighteenth century craft of the Blaisdell family of blacksmith clockmakers.

As some of the earliest clockmakers in America, multiple generations of the Blaisdell (Blasdel) family plied their metalworking craft in places such as the rural New Hampshire border town of Amesbury, Massachusetts. Some expanded further outland creating a small clockmaking dynasty continuing to work in outmoded methods that perfectly met the needs of the clientele in their corner of the world.  Blasdel clocks incorporate movements with beautifully wrought frames of sculpted iron, housing hand-cut brass gears and featuring charming pewter and brass dials with naive engraving. The provincial vernacular of the local woodworkers who made cases for these movements (some of whom were also Blaisdells) leave the viewer utterly charmed.  Examples of their work will be available for examination. 
 

Gary R. Sullivan is a nationally recognized early American clock and furniture scholar, researcher, multi award-winning author, exhibit curator, and 16 season Antiques Roadshow appraiser. He also happens to be a Willard House Trustee.