grandfather clocks Archives - The Crown Collection

Antique decorative clocks | Making ordinary spaces extraordinary

Categories: Articles, Blog, Style|Tags: Antique mantle clocks, Carriage clocks, Decorative clocks, French figural mantle clocks, grandfather clocks|

As one of the most popular and widely collected decorative antiques, it’s no wonder that grandfather, carriage, wall and mantle clocks are popular decorative pieces for any home – each exuding its own recognizable charm. Adhering to the functional and ornamental brief, the variety of styles and forms make antique decorative clocks both eye-catching and enduring. Carefully chosen, they make beautiful focal points for your home; instantly adding a touch of classic elegance to any room when hung on the wall or cleverly placed on a mantel, table or shelf.

With their intricate artistry, rich history and timeless appeal, antique decorative clocks are always on trend and hold a special place in the world of interior design. Whether you prefer the majesty of a grandfather clock or the understated elegance of a desk clock, antique timepieces serve as captivating focal points in any room and have the power to add a touch of unexpected whimsy to your chosen aesthetic.

And when it comes to including decorative clocks in your home, no space is off limits.

The irresistible grandeur of grandfather clocks

All you need is a blank wall for an antique grandfather clock to add its towering presence to a space. (Don’t believe the design myth that you need an oversized space or high ceilings to showcase these larger pieces.)

Originally manufactured between 1680 and 1830, grandfather clocks – aka longcase clocks – have been a symbol of prestige and refinement, and now modern interior design is incorporating them into its contemporary decor narrative. With ornate carvings and melodious chimes, their majestic presence demands attention and becomes a trendy and nostalgic statement piece; anywhere in your home.

The charming story of compact clocks

Compact antique carriage, mantle, desk or tabletop clocks may be small, but they pack a big punch in decor circles. For those seeking a more subtle blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, carriage or tabletop clocks are the simplest way to add a little extra adornment and a touch of romance to a mantlepiece desk, shelf, worktop, bedside table or console table.

You can go for gold with a 19th-century antique French gilt tabletop clock or you can keep it more low-key with a Victorian Wooden Cased Mantle Clock.

Either way, these antique timepieces will always cause you to pause and smile, and are guaranteed to make ordinary surfaces a little extraordinary.

Originating in France, figural mantle clocks quickly became popular in England and America and are still a go-to accessory for modern interior design as individual conversation pieces or as part of a collage vignette of accent accessories.

Perfectly blending tradition with modernity, these decorative antique timepieces are crafted with intricate detailing, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of horologists.

The artsy vibe of wall clocks

We cannot think of anything more delightful than antique decorative wall clocks as wall art.

Coming in so many different shapes and sizes, the definitive character of wall clocks is a stunningly beautiful addition to a modern home. They can either be used to match the general colour palette of a space or become a striking contrast.

Hang them as solo pieces, combine your antique wall clock of choice with other artworks in a gallery-style arrangement or go all out by curating an array of different clock types, designs, styles and sizes to create a unique focal display.

The wonder of browsing decorative clocks at The Crown Collection

If you cannot wait to get your hands on an antique clock, then your first spot should be The Crown Collection. Our in-store experience – at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston – will not only have you losing track of time, but will make you feel like Alice who has arrived in a wonderland of mesmerising beauty. As you make your way among our handpicked displays, you will discover an extraordinary collection of antique clocks. If you cannot visit us in-store, the same selection of antiques exists online. (And once you have made your choice, we will deliver directly to your door).

Shop all our antique decorative clocks today to add something extra to your home.

Looking for a unique year-end gift? Visit our antique store

Categories: Blog|Tags: antique clocks, Antique store, grandfather clocks, silverware|

If you are in search of a thoughtful, unique and sentimental gift that will stand the test of time as well as a one-of-a-kind collectible with a low carbon footprint, fascinating backstory and impeccable craftsmanship, then you can only be imagining a timeless statement piece from The Crown Collection; South Africa’s largest antique store offering a curated collection of over 5 000 handpicked decorative items for antique lovers.

From charming mantel clocks to regal silverware, our treasure trove of antique gifts will leave you spoilt for choice.

Once you’ve invested in an antique gift, you can rest in the knowledge that your recipient won’t receive a duplicate gift from another friend or family member. In addition, antiques not only retain their novelty for years to come, but also become investment pieces that appreciate in value over time and can be passed down through generations.

At The Crown Collection, we want to highlight our top picks for festive gifts that are desirable for antique collectors and chic modern interiors alike:

Timeless timepieces

Clocks, as we know them today, originated in mediaeval Europe and were initially exclusively installed in town halls and churches. Only in the 19th and 20th century were clocks refined in their design and used more frequently in homes.

The 21st century has antique clocks serving both functional and ornamental purposes, providing a timeless touch of designer grandeur for any room.

Whether you select a mantel or carriage clock to mingle with other decorative pieces (modern or antique) above the fireplace, a wall clock to create a single focal point, or blend functionality and old-world charm with an Ansonia clock on your study desk, these sought-after timepieces from our antique store become the artwork of interior decor.

A more ornate and commanding grandfather clock (aka a longcase clock) creates the impression that your home has been designed over time. These prized showpieces work perfectly in entrance halls or to fill an awkward niche or corner.

Sentimental silverware

The distinctive, versatile and old-world charm of silverware makes it a decor must-have in any home. And with over 250 silverware items on display at our antique store, you are certain to find something special.

Silver cutlery not only has practical value when hosting guests at the dinner table or in the living room, but these pieces of metal art have an additional decorative and stylistic value.

Known as one of the 7 metals of antiquity, you can choose to invest in a pure sterling silver or silver-plated objet d’art to give your home a silverware twist.

From wine coolers to food domes, serving platters to tea trays, cheese dishes to candelabras, simply visit our antique store for a curated selection of antique silverware.

A distinctive feature of silverware is its ability to combine with other materials to either enhance an industrial modern or antique interior – which adds to its versatility as a holiday gift for a variety of recipients.

Silver works as the perfect backdrop to antique crystal glasses and decanters or seamlessly combine it with a contemporary style by using a silver jug or teapot to display fresh flowers or a champagne cooler to store kitchen utensils.

The charming and elegant natural sheen of silverware allows it to complement whites and greys; creating a refined look or to partner with other metals – like gold or copper – for a more classical look.

Antique silver is never out of fashion and whether purchased now, or handed down through generations, it serves as a thread in family history (always trumping mass-produced pieces).

Silver, in all its manifestations, becomes usable art and a lingering memory of a more elegant and sophisticated past. (We cannot think of a more perfect gift).

Visit The Crown Collection’s antique store

Your journey to find that memorable occasion gift ends when you step inside The Crown Collection.

Reminiscent of top-notch antique stores in London, Paris or New York, we are the one-stop emporium for any discerning buyer.

Invest in a silverware piece to add a little decorative bling or an antique clock which showcases the best in artisanal story and craftsmanship.

Shop online or visit our studio at 20 Ballyclare Drive, Bryanston.

P.S. If you’re not sure what your loved one is after, give them a gift card to shop at their leisure.