In this complicated world of horology there’s summing up engineering and art. Often the females in this world have remained behind the men. But the moment we burrow through the records of timekeeping, we realise that female clockmakers not only took part in it but also contributed much to the art of clockmaking since time began.
The Early Female Horologists
Historically horology was not just the art of making mechanisms tell time, but it was an art form in itself. Many women contribute to such intricate craftsmanship behind antique clocks. From the royal courts of Europe to the workshops of the industrial era, they contributed their exquisite skills, yet their stories have rarely been told.
One of the earliest recorded female clockmakers was Bridget Hill (1663-1730), a name that resonates with resilience and talent. After her husband, a renowned English clockmaker, passed away, Bridget did not let her story end there. She took over his business, crafting clocks that were both precise and aesthetically splendid. Her work not only sustained her family but also set a precedent that women could excel in this precise art.
Breaking Barriers
Moving to France we find Jeanne Dumée, a female horologist in the late 17th century who published a treatise on astronomy and timekeeping in 1691. Jeanne’s work was pioneering at a time when it was rare for women to publish in the sciences. Her treatise laid out her extensive knowledge of the stars and the mechanics of clocks serving as a beacon for future generations of women in horology.
The Unseen Craftswomen
In the shadows of the giant clocks and grand workshops, women were often relegated to the roles of finishers or decorators, roles that were crucial yet understated. They painted delicate clock faces, gilded intricate designs and assembled the minute parts that made up the heart of the clock. Their work was precise and artistic, yet rarely credited in the annals of history.
Education and Recognition in the Modern Era
The 19th century brought a wave of change. Watchmaking schools in Switzerland began to admit women, acknowledging their contributions and capabilities. One notable figure from this era was Sister Maria Belen Morales (1838-1908), a nun from Spain who became a master clockmaker. Sister Morales was known for her exceptional skills in designing and building clocks. She crafted a famous astronomical clock that still ticks with precision, a testament to her expertise and dedication.
Contemporary Clockmakers and Legacy
Today, a great deal of that pioneering spirit carries on in people like Dr. Rebecca Struthers, the first woman in Britain to receive a PhD in horology. Dr. Struthers mixes clockmaking expertise with passion for history and education, which again involves this constantly accessible and intriguing art and science of horology.
The journey of horology for women is not one about gears and springs but rather a tale of persistence, precision and artistry. It is a story to be remembered, not so much as homage to those who have come before us in this respect but to provide encouragement for a new generation of clockmakers-irrespective of gender-to go beyond the boundaries of possibility in timekeeping.