Hand-Painted Table Clock

Artisan: Judy Beals (construction of the clock); Natasha Beshenkovsky (painted decoration)
Date: 1986
Inscriptions: signed ‘J Beals 1986’ and also signed ‘Natasha 1986’ (both on the back of the clock)
Dimensions: 47 x 30 x 18 mm. / 1 ⅞ x 1 ⅛ x ¾ inches (height x width x depth)
Inventory number: 2021.119
Intended Room: Governess’s Room
Category: Clocks

Provenance: Purchased from a dealer in San Diego, California, USA, via eBay in 2021

This was a phenomenally lucky eBay find, not only because Natasha Beshenkovsky’s work is so much in demand, but also because you get two artisans for the price of one. The clock itself is made by Judy Beals, while the elaborate painted decoration, a host of birds and flowers, is by Natasha.

We currently have this slated for the Governess’s Room, where other works by Natasha will be displayed, but the work on the clock is so beautiful that it might end up being promoted to the Parlour or even the Breakfast Room. Wherever it ends up, it’s one of the most stunning pieces in the collection.