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A small silver “Olaf” Liberty & Co Cymric clock, designed by Archibald Knox, dated Birmingham 1902.  This is one of Knox’s earliest clock designs and is the only clock that appears in the c. 1900 illustrated Cymric catalogue, page 57.  On the original design drawing held at the Museum of Domestic Design and Architecture (MoDA SD2065) Knox has named the clock “Olaf”, Olaf being  Óláfr Guðrøðarson (died 29 June 1153) who was a twelfth-century King of Mann and the Isles.  Knox often named these early silver designs after Manx historical figures and places.

The original green enamel face with Latin lettering “Festina Lente” translates as “make haste slowly” or “more haste, less speed” and can be seen on the original Knox drawing.  I believe Knox’s choice of this phrase may derive from a common Manx saying  “Gow dt’aash” which translates as “take it easy”.

The clock retains its original silver hands. In excellent working condition.  It is a very fine example.

This clock will be loaned to the Archibald Knox Exhibition “Order and Beauty” at the Manx Museum, Douglas, Isle of Man, from April 2025 to March 2026.  It is available to purchase now on condition of that loan continuing.

Maker: Liberty & Co

Designer: Archibald Knox

Date : 1902

Marks: L & Co, Birmingham, date letter “c”, Model number 5021

Material: Sterling silver, enamel dial

Condition: Excellent

Size: 9.5cm high, 9cm wide at base, 7.5cm deep at base

Weight : NM