by InTrieste
On March 8, the Sartorio Museum in Trieste received a significant donation: four antique pendulum clocks, restored by the Inner Wheel Club Trieste, were officially handed over during a ceremony attended by local officials and museum representatives.
The clocks, dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, were part of the museum’s collection and had been carefully restored as part of the Inner Wheel Club’s service project for the 2024-2025 Inner Wheel year. The event marked the 43rd anniversary of the Inner Wheel Club of Trieste and provided an opportunity to return these precious timepieces to their original condition. Two of the clocks are now available for public display.
The restoration was carried out by L.A.A.R. S.r.l. Conservazione & Restauro Beni Culturali of Udine, with supervision from the Sabap – Superintendence of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape of Friuli Venezia Giulia. The clocks are now permanently installed in the museum, where they were originally part of the decor.
Among the most notable pieces is a Portico Pendulum Clock, made in Switzerland by Maison Robert et Courvoisier in the late 18th century. This clock features a circular bronze case set between marble pillars and was created by one of Switzerland’s most renowned clockmakers, active from 1787 into the early 19th century.
Another significant clock is an Empire-style Table Clock, made in Trieste in 1833, depicting a young woman reading by an oil lamp. The clock was crafted by Jacob Perco, a well-known watchmaker in Trieste.
Also included in the donation are a Neo-Gothic Cathedral-style clock and a Louis XVI-style Portico Pendulum Clock, both made in Paris during the 19th century.
The restoration process involved extensive cleaning and careful preservation of the gilded brass elements, which had been affected by decades of tarnishing and wear. After the cleaning process, the clocks were coated with a protective layer to preserve their condition.
These restored clocks are now part of the Sartorio Museum’s permanent collection, contributing to the museum’s rich heritage and offering the public a glimpse into Trieste’s historical craftsmanship.
For more information about the museum or to schedule a visit, contact:
Museo Sartorio
Largo Papa Giovanni XXIII, 1
+39 040 675 9321
museosartoriotrieste@comune.trieste.it
www.museosartoriotrieste.it
www.triestecultura.it
