Tall clock 1789

This tall clock was crafted by John Townsend, a prominent Quaker cabinetmaker from Newport, Rhode Island, sometime in the late 18th century. Townsend's religious beliefs likely influenced his commitment to simplicity and quality craftsmanship, evident in the clock's elegant design and meticulous construction. Consider the historical backdrop: Newport, a bustling port city, thrived on the triangle trade, deeply entangled with the slave trade. While Townsend, as a Quaker, was part of a religious community that formally condemned slavery, he still operated within a society built on this exploitation. The clock, a symbol of status and wealth, subtly reflects this complex relationship. Its very existence speaks to the economic prosperity derived, in part, from the exploitation of enslaved people. The clock stands as a reminder of the intricate connections between artistry, commerce, and the painful legacy of slavery in early America.