The Silver Swan, a 1773 life-size clockwork automaton with 2,000 moving parts, returned to daily performance at the Bowes Museum after 1,500+ hours of restoration.
Key Takeaways
Built in James Cox’s London workshop, the swan uses three separate clockwork mechanisms: one for a glass pool with silver fish, one for music, and one for neck movement.
The neck mechanism was engineered by John Joseph Merlin, a notable inventor who worked under Cox.
Originally intended for Emperor Qianlong of China, it was shown at the 1867 Paris Exhibition priced at 50,000 francs, then sold in 1873 for 5,000 francs.
Restoration involved the Cumbria Clock Company, West Dean College clock interns, Birmingham School of Jewellery, and in-house conservators over 1,500+ hours.
The swan now performs daily at 2pm, with an extra 11:45am showing during school holidays.
