Clock, Albatross

This clock features decorative tiles from J. & J. G. Low Art Tile Works, the preeminent maker of art tiles in the United States in the late nineteenth century. Most of their tiles were made for architectural use as wall decoration, but they also incorporated tiles into freestanding objects such as this or placed them in elaborate metal frames as independent works of art.

The clock’s design matches that seen in the patent drawing illustrated here, indicating that the clock is an early example. A number of later variations in the color and design of the ceramic elements are known, some by other clock makers.