Mantel Clock 1935 - 1942

Ernest A. Towers, Jr. made this watercolor drawing of a mantel clock, but it is not dated. The drawing’s attention to detail is important. It shows the clock’s Gothic-inspired pointed arch. This was a popular style in the 19th century, linking domestic objects to the grandeur of religious architecture, and reminding people to be aware of the passage of time and of their own mortality. But the image here isn’t just about aesthetics, it's also about precision and the mass production of furniture. Technical drawings like this one were made to document design and were most likely part of a portfolio. It shows the clock’s function, measurements, and materials with exactness. We can use these details to understand the social context in which this clock was created. It can tell us about industrial design, and changing ideas about the home. Art historians use drawings like this to piece together a broader understanding of a specific time and place. The image here helps us reflect on the way design reflects larger social and cultural trends.