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Collectors of Time

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Joseph Lowy, Melbourne watchmaker and Honorary Curator of Horology, 1953-79, in his shop. Source: Museum Victoria, History & Technology

Lowy also purchased items at auction and then sold them on to the Museum at cost. Some came from the most unlikely sources. Lowy purchased at auction a silver pocket-watch from the estate of a man who carried all his belongings around the streets in a sack. The watch turned out to have been made by the famed eighteenth century British watchmaker George Graham. In recognition of his role in developing the collection, the Museum appointed Lowy the Honorary Curator of the Horological Collection in 1953, a position he retained until his death in 1979.

From 1952 the horological collection was displayed in full in a new set of showcases in Barry Gallery. Visitors to the Museum could explore a clear explanation of the history of timekeeping, from sixteenth century bracket clocks to the latest electronic watch. Although the emphasis was on technical developments, many of the clocks and watches in the collection are beautiful examples of the decorative arts.

Throughout the Museum's history, many of the technology collections have been acquired through donations rather than purchase. This has made it possible to build much larger collections than the limited funds for acquisition would allow. There are disadvantages, however. Even in 1897 the Acting Curator noted that 'it was unfortunate that we are dependent upon the liberality of the public for specimens, as it is impossible in this way to prepare instructive and representative collections'. The horology collection is a counter-example of a collection that has been able to develop and maintain its coherence through the focused activities of two private collectors.

Although no longer on display in its entirety, the collection continues to be used. More than seventy watches and clocks are on display in Melbourne Museum in various exhibitions. And John Askew's bequest continues to fund new acquisitions - the most recent was the purchase of a complete seasonal range of Swatch watches.

Dr Richard Gillespie is Head of the Australian Society and Technology Department at Museum Victoria, and has been involved in the development of the initial exhibitions at Scienceworks, Immigration Museum and Melbourne Museum. His research interests include the history of Australian science and the relationships between western science and indigenous knowledge systems.

An essay in Carolyn Rasmussen, A Museum for the People: A History of Museum Victoria and its predecessor institutions, 1854-2000, Carlton North: Scribe Publications, 2001, ISBN 0 908011 69 5. Available at Museum Shops and all good book stores for $49.95.

Go to Museum Collections - Science and Measurement for a general overview of this collection.

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