A George II Gilt and Black Simulated Tortoiseshell Japanned Longcase Clock by John Ellicott, London, Circa 1735

John Ellicott, one of the most famous 18th century English clockmakers, was born in 1706 and succeeded his clockmaker father who died in 1733. In 1738 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society and served as a Councilor for three years. Later he became clockmaker to King George III and made many fine and unusual clocks; he is probably best remembered for the invention of a compensated pendulum in 1752 which bears his name. John Ellicott died in 1772.