BLOG: Conservation of Squire Cooke’s Clock

Posted on: 22/04/2026

Remedial conservation of Squire Cook’s clock has recently been completed by Anthony Beech Conservation - with the support of the Icon Tru Vue Conservation and Exhibition Grant Scheme. The clock once belonged to the local magistrate Thomas Cooke who lived in the museum building when it was a private house in Georgian times.

Prior to conservation, Squire Cooke’s clock has been on open display in the Community Gallery within the museum.

A condition check of the clock was conducted by Anthony Beech Conservation, found that there had been some historic light related changes to the shellac surface of the decoration and some evidence of old restorations, including refinishing to the hood. The case required light intervention to bring the clock back up to display condition. In addition some loose arched moulding to the door had become detached and needed repairing.

Photographs pre-treatment (taken by Anthony Beech ACR)

Treatment

The clock was conserved in December 2025.

The shellac/japanned surface layers were test cleaned and found to be stable enough to clean with PH neutral aqueous solution using deionised water and conservation grade surfactant.

The separated door moulding was reattached using reversible fish glue and the hood rails were consolidated.

Damages to the base were in-painted with Windsor and Newton acrylic paints and sealed with shellac.

The surface of the case was then sealed with a protective coating of Renaissance microcrystalline wax. The clock dial was also surface cleaned and sealed with Renaissance microcrystalline wax.

Images showing the cleaning test and Anthony Beech ACR working on case repairs

Following conservation, a protective covering was measured from optium museum acrylic. This material was donated by TruVue as part of the Icon Tru Vue Conservation and Exhibition Grant and was supplied by Larson-Juhl with fabrication and installed by Dauphin.

The new casing will ensure Squire Cooke’s clock is protected for future generations.

Squire Cooke’s clock is now back on display, offering a fascinating glimpse into the museum building’s past. As the only surviving piece of furniture from Thomas Cooke’s Georgian mansion, it plays a key role in bringing the building’s 18th-century history to life.

Thanks to Anthony Beech Conservation, Larson-Juhl and Dauphin.
Funded by Icon Tru Vue Conservation and Exhibition Grant scheme.

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