A George I scarlet japanned longcase clock attributed to Giles Grendey, the movement by David Lestourgeon.

Note: The clock retains virtually all the original japanning and the original movement signed: David Lestourgeon – London.

This remarkable clock has survived in virtually untouched condition since it was made. It features a thirty-day movement with a silvered dial, Roman and Arabic numerals and a date aperture. The bevelled mirror plate has been replaced at some stage, although having a fitted mirror within the door is certainly an unusual and original feature.

Giles Grendey (c. 1693–1780) was one of the most successful cabinet-makers of his time, supplying good quality furniture throughout his career, and also importing timber as a sideline. He is probably best known for his successful export furniture, most of which was japanned, like this clock with a Spanish provenance.

Grendey’s most important commission, from the Duke of Infantado for Lazcano Castle in Spain, has many points of similarity with this clock. The Infantado suite, of which some seventy-seven pieces were first recorded by Adolph Lowie in the 1930s, is entirely japanned in the same scarlet colour, evidently a popular hue with Grendey’s Spanish clients. Coincidentally, both patrons were in the Spanish diplomatic service, Juan Antonio Diaz either directly after or at the same time as Infantado.

The Duke of Infantado notoriously amassed huge debts during his time in London. The National Archives at Kew in London reveal that despite having been called back to Spain, Infantado refused to go home, remaining in his position in London for several years thereafter.

David Lestourgeon was a French Huguenot émigré and member of the French Huguenot church in Soho. A walnut cased clock also by Grendey and with a movement by Lestourgeon was donated by Lestourgeon to the church congregation in the 1740s and is still in the church collection.